Kimi Antonelli admits he understood why Toto Wolff described his Italian Grand Prix exhibiting as “underwhelming” and says he’ll use his Mercedes boss’ criticism as “fuel” to enhance in Baku this weekend.
Antonelli’s first full residence Grand Prix weekend in F1 at Monza in the end proved disappointing on observe, as he completed ninth from sixth on the grid, and ended with Wolff, Mercedes’ crew principal, publicly expressing frustration with the 19-year-old Italian’s efficiency.
Antonelli had additionally beached his automobile for the second successive Friday follow, dropping invaluable 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 crew bosses’ evaluation.
“Well, I think I pretty much understand his comment,” stated Antonelli.
“You realize, me and Toto are all the time very open with one another, and we discuss to one another fairly overtly.
“I believe it was primarily concerning the race. Qualifying was truly fairly good, regardless of the off in FP2. However then within the race, particularly on the exhausting tyre, I struggled somewhat bit. Additionally, I made a mistake at the beginning. So I believe it was primarily associated to the race, which I agree wasn’t the most effective.
“But I took it positively – as fuel to do even better for this weekend.”
What has Wolff instructed Antonelli he needs 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 automobile 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 instructed him he needs to see from him shifting ahead with eight races left this season, Antonelli stated: “The conversation was pretty clear: he just wants me to have a clean 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 all the time a bit extra calm and I’ve a bit extra time for myself.
“I’m really looking forward to clean weekends and getting back the momentum, and that’s what the team wants.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s Azerbaijan GP schedule
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Look again at a number of 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: Workforce 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 stay on Sky Sports activities Principal Occasion
Formulation 1 heads to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, stay on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
