Kimi Antonelli reveals 'aggressive' reason behind recent F1 slump

Kimi Antonelli has offered insight into the reasons behind his torrid run of form at Mercedes of late.

Antonelli has scored points just once in the last seven races, with the bleak run broken up by his maiden podium at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Last time out in Belgium, Antonelli qualified in 18th place - his lowest position of the season and the second time he failed to exit the Q1 segment of qualifying.

Antonelli will switch to an older suspension configuration this weekend at the Hungaroring in a search for pace, having accepted his aggressive driving style hasn't suited the car of late.

“With my aggressive style, the way I was driving it, I was making the car even more unpredictable,” Antonelli told media including RacingNews365.

“When I was really trying to push it, it was hard to feel if it was going to stick or not.

“When you’re on that fine line, it can really make the difference. If you have the confidence and know it’s going to stick, it can really make a difference.

“In my case, especially with the style I was driving the car, I was making it more unpredictable. I was having no confidence.

“Every time I was trying to push more, the car was struggling to take it or giving me signals that made me feel like it was not going to stick.”

While team-mate George Russell has also struggled for form, the Briton has brought home points for the squad amid Antonelli's struggles.

Antonelli highlighted Russell, who has a different driving style, has been able to adapt to the new suspension introduced at Imola.

“George, on the other hand, has been adapting better,” Antonelli added. “He has a different driving style, but he's been able to adapt a bit better.

“That's what's been hurting me in this European season. 

“So hopefully, by going with the old suspension back, it will bring back a bit the feeling I had prior to the start of the European season.”