Kimi Antonelli admits he understood why Toto Wolff described his Italian Grand Prix displaying as “underwhelming” and says he’ll use his Mercedes boss’ criticism as “gas” to enhance in Baku this weekend.
Antonelli’s first full residence Grand Prix weekend in F1 at Monza finally proved disappointing on monitor, as he completed ninth from sixth on the grid, and ended with Wolff, Mercedes’ group principal, publicly expressing frustration with the 19-year-old Italian’s efficiency.
Antonelli had additionally beached his automotive for the second successive Friday observe, dropping priceless race preparation time.
Requested about Wolff’s feedback for the primary time forward of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Antonelli stated he agreed along with his group bosses’ evaluation.
“Effectively, I believe I just about perceive his remark,” stated Antonelli.
“You realize, me and Toto are at all times very open with one another, and we discuss to one another fairly brazenly.
“I believe it was primarily concerning the race. Qualifying was really fairly good, regardless of the off in FP2. However then within the race, particularly on the onerous tyre, I struggled just a little bit. Additionally, I made a mistake in the beginning. So I believe it was primarily associated to the race, which I agree wasn’t one of the best.
“However I took it positively – as gas to do even higher for this weekend.”
Watch again the 360-degree angle of Kimi Antonelli’s crash into Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the Dutch Grand Prix
What has Wolff informed Antonelli he desires to see from him?
After a steadily constructive begin to his F1 profession at Mercedes, which included top-six finishes in 5 of his first six races and a formidable Dash pole in Miami, Antonelli has struggled for ends in Mercedes’ W16 automotive in current months.
Ninth place in Italy and a tenth place in Hungary are his solely points-paying finishes within the six rounds since his maiden podium end in Canada.
Requested what Wolff had informed him he desires to see from him shifting ahead with eight races left this season, Antonelli stated: “The dialog was fairly clear: he simply desires me to have a clear weekend to regain the momentum I had.
“For instance, within the first seven races of the season, as a result of the European season has been fairly robust, and now I am actually trying ahead to the final a part of the season once more out of Europe – it is at all times a bit extra calm and I’ve a bit extra time for myself.
“I am actually trying ahead to wash weekends and getting again the momentum, and that is what the group desires.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s Azerbaijan GP schedule
Look again at among the most dramatic moments to have taken place across the Baku Metropolis Circuit
Friday September 19
6.55am: F2 Apply
9am: Azerbaijan GP Apply One (session begins at 9.30am)*
10.55am: F2 Qualifying
11.40am: Crew Principals’ Press Convention
12.45pm: Azerbaijan GP Apply Two (session begins at 1pm)*
2.15pm: The F1 Present*
Saturday September 20
9.15am: Azerbaijan GP Apply Three (session begins at 9.30am)
11.10am: F2 Dash Race
12.15pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build-up
1pm: AZERBAIJAN GP QUALIFYING
3pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book
Sunday September 21
7.55am: F2 Characteristic Race
10.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP build-up*
12pm: THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX*
2pm: Chequered Flag: Azerbaijan GP response
3pm: Ted’s Pocket book
*additionally reside on Sky Sports activities Major Occasion
System 1 heads to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
