Rookie Kimi Antonelli ‘Suffering the Consequences’ of Mercedes’ ‘Wrong Moves’, Says Technical Director
Mercedes technical director James Allison has come out in support of young driver Kimi Antonelli, stating that the team’s errors in car development have contributed to the rookie’s lack of confidence and repeated retirements.
How fast is too fast? Perhaps elevating an 18-year-old directly to the senior team may have been a bit premature.
James Allison has admitted that Mercedes’ recent development misjudgements have played a role in the difficult start Antonelli has had to his debut season in Formula 1.
Antonelli, who stepped in as Lewis Hamilton’s successor at Mercedes, grabbed headlines in June with his first F1 podium — a third-place finish in Canada. But since then, he hasn’t scored a single point. He has faced two DNFs (Did Not Finish), a 17th-place result in the sprint at Belgium, and came 16th in the main race at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday.
Despite an earlier sprint pole in Miami and becoming the youngest-ever F1 race leader, Antonelli has now recorded four retirements in his last seven races.
After the Belgian GP, the Italian rookie admitted to reporters that he was not confident in the car and was disappointed with his own performance levels.
However, Allison insists the dip in performance is not solely Antonelli’s fault.
“He’s Suffering the Consequences”
Speaking in the team’s post-race debrief on Tuesday, Allison defended the teenager and highlighted that the team’s poor development path has made life harder for the drivers.
“I think he, like the rest of the team, is extremely frustrated with the series of results, which are far below what we had managed earlier in the season,” said Allison.
“I hope he gets some comfort in knowing — and this is a fact — that we’ve made the wrong development calls with the car. This has made the whole team less competitive, and both he and George (Russell) are suffering the consequences.”
Allison also said that it’s particularly challenging for a newcomer when the car isn’t performing.
“When the car isn’t delivering, qualifying itself becomes a huge challenge in your very first F1 season,” he explained.
Allison believes Antonelli’s form will improve as soon as the car regains competitiveness.
“It’s crystal clear to everyone that the car must improve — and when it does, so will his results,” he added.
“Hopefully, he believes us when we tell him this because we absolutely know he is giving his 100% effort.”
Mercedes are currently placed third in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing Ferrari by 28 points, while McLaren lead the table and continue to dominate the competition
