Kimi Antonelli cautions 'different' factor to dampen Mercedes expectations

Despite being "very hopeful" about Mercedes' prospects at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli has highlighted that the W16 is a "different car" to its predecessor.

Last year, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton secured a one-two finish for the Brackley-based squad under the lights of Sin City.

The W15's penchant for cool conditions suited the weekend at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit as the car was able to come alive in the tricky conditions, whilst others, namely McLaren, struggled.

Despite Hamilton starting tenth after a messy Q3, Russell took pole position as the pair topped all three parts of qualifying before the British drivers subsequently went on to dominate the 50-lap race.

Mercedes' 2025 car has retained the same characteristic that was the foundation for its success in Nevada 12 months ago, but Antonelli was keen to stress that it does not guarantee a strong weekend this time around.

The 19-year-old — who is looking to build on the latest high point of his short F1 career in Brazil, having finished second in the sprint and grand prix — shared his feelings about the prospect of another opportunity to impress.

When asked by media, including RacingNews365, how hopeful he is heading into the round, the two-time podium finisher replied: "Very hopeful.

"I mean, as a team, we said we're going to try to do everything that we did last year with the car.

"Even though it's a different car compared to last year — many things have changed — so it doesn't mean that if we were quick last year, we're going to be quick this year."

Nonetheless, Antonelli insists the eight-time F1 constructors' champion will do all it can to replicate the performance in America's playground from last year, which includes him delivering strong form.

He added: "I think as a team we'll try to put the car in the best spot possible, and as a driver I'll try to deliver the best performance possible."