Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in
Kimi Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli reveals 'big Mercedes meeting' after frustrations boiled over

Kimi Antonelli has recovered from his European nightmare, but not without a major meeting at Mercedes.

Antonelli Mexico Thurs
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

Kimi Antonelli has revealed that a "big meeting" took place at Mercedes to help the rookie overcome his European struggle, with his "frustration" having boiled over. 

After a positive start to life in Formula 1, Antonelli endured a major trough across the European leg of the season. In the nine European rounds, just three points were scored by Antonelli. 

The 19-year-old's maiden podium in the Canadian GP occurred between European races in Monaco and Spain, with there having been no sign of the issues he was suffering from on his home continent. 

It was a period which tested Antonelli and led to rumours over whether he was promoted too soon by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. 

However, since F1 left Europe and moved on to the flyaways, the Mercedes driver has rediscovered his form, scoring strong points in Azerbaijan and Singapore.

Asked what he has worked on to overcome his European struggles, Antonelli said: "I think, a lot of the approached changed. Obviously, I had a very big, long, dark time, in the European season.

"I think, because the results kept not coming, frustration started to [boil] over. And I just started to realise that I wasn't really focusing on the target, on the basics and on the process, I was just focusing on the final result. 

"But then, as the final result was never coming, then, as I said before, frustration was starting to [boil] over. After months, there was a moment where, also I sat with the team, and we had a big meeting. 

"We agreed that something needed to change, and my approach has been a lot different ever since. 

"I'm now focusing a lot more on the task, which is driving well, putting things together. And then I know if I do these things well, the end result will come by itself."

Join the conversation!

x
LATEST FIA issue statement as cost cap violation rumours gain traction