Kimi Antonelli in the Monza paddock - Photo: RacePictures

Antonelli reveals 'I got a little kick in the butt' after Monza

12:16, 11 Oct

Updated: 13:46, 11 Oct

byLuke-John Buckle

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has revealed how Mercedes helped him rebuild his confidence after his home race at the Italian Grand Prix.

“After Monza, I did a big meeting with Bono and the engineers. I got a little kick in the butt, but it was what I needed, honestly."

- Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Antonelli floundered throughout the European leg of the campaign, scoring just two points finishes, which came in Hungary and at Monza. In Italy, he stuttered to ninth place as teammate George Russell finished fifth.

The Italian driver told the official Mercedes website that he had a meeting with his engineer, Peter Bonnington that helped him regain some confidence.

Antonelli said: "After Monza, I had a big meeting with Bono and the engineers. I got a little kick in the butt, but it was what I needed, honestly.

“Now I'm back on the right track, with the right mindset, and focusing on the process, on the basics, trying to drive well, put things together, and then I know the result will come by itself.

“We had a couple of good weekends [in Singapore and Baku], which is important, bringing points for the team."

Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished P4 in Azerbaijan. Photo: RacePictures.

Antonelli is eyeing second place in the Constructors' Championship and finishing ahead of Ferrari. Mercedes are now 27 points ahead of their Italian rivals with six events to go.

“The car has been very, very strong, which is very promising. Now six races to go. We pull away from Ferrari and Red Bull as well. That's the most important.

“It's going to be important to keep bringing points and perform well. And to get the P2 in the Constructors’ Championship.”

Antonelli has learned a lot from teammate Russell

Antonelli is getting towards the end of his rookie season in Formula 1. The 19-year-old has shown moments of raw speed but suffered from lacklustre results at times.

The Italian driver scored his first podium in Canada but then went on to score one point from the next five races.

Mercedes' rookie driver has been able to learn a lot from Russell, who has been in F1 since 2019 and has been teammates with Lewis Hamilton.

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