Kimi Antonelli's debut season in Formula One has been full of highs and lows. The 19-year old scored a podium finish recently at the last F1 Grand Prix in Brazil and also scored another podium back at the Canadian Grand Prix too.

However, there was some confusion midway through the season, when Antonelli had only managed to score three points during the European leg of the championship. Those points came at the Hungarian and Italian Grands Prix, with Antonelli finishing ninth in Hungary and tenth at his home race in Monza.

This was surprising to many, as Antonelli had spent his career before F1 racing and gaining experience at most of the European circuits.

Antonelli said to Blick: "I thought I could use my experience in Europe. And then I was hit with reality, which surprised me. I expected things that didn't happen, things that were completely different every time. I quickly learned that every race weekend unfolds differently. Only three points in Europe gave me a lot to think about. I didn't use the experience."

After only managing a tenth place finish at the Italian Grand Prix, Antonelli received a "Good kick in the pants" from Toto Wolff and his own father. Antonelli added: "Those verbal rebukes and pieces of advice hurt, but I needed that reset. I had to refocus on the important things to get back to my old form."

Antonelli continued: "I constantly put myself under pressure, overdid it, made mistakes I never normally made. I know that Toto and my father have believed in me for years. They see more potential in me than I sometimes realize. So I can get really annoyed after a training session or race when I see where I made mistakes and lost time as a result."

Despite a relatively disappointing European leg in his debut F1 season, Antonelli has scored 119-points outside of Europe, with a best result of second place at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

When asked if he is currently performing to the best of his abilities, Antonelli stated: "With the help of my structured private life, I can now fully concentrate on my sport again. That's important because I still have big goals."

When pressed on what his goal is, Antonelli revealed: "Doesn't everyone dream of becoming world champion? That's why Mercedes signed me."

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