Kimi Antonelli reveals cause of heartbreak DNF at Imola

Mercedes has revealed the reason behind Kimi Antonelli's heartbreak exit from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Antonelli endured a difficult qualifying session at Imola and failed to progress into the top 10 shootout.

Lining up in 13th, the 18-year-old progressed into the points as he made use of the alternative strategy which allowed him to get a cheap pit stop under a virtual safety car.

However, just minutes after switching from the hard tyres to the mediums, his car began to run into issues, leading to his retirement from the race.

“It was a shame to finish like this,” the rookie told media including RacingNews365. 

“We were lucky with the virtual safety car, but obviously it was also the risk of trying the alternative strategy. 

Antonelli revealed his car dipped in and out of being able to deliver full power before it failed completely - resulting in the non-finish of his F1 career.

“On the medium, already after two three laps, I started to have an issue with the throttle and then started to have less power on the straight.

“But it was a bit inconsistent as well, because one lap the power was okay, but then another lap, I was losing a lot.

“It was not easy, and then unfortunately, it went off completely. It's a shame to end up like this.

“Now we need to review what happened this whole weekend in order to be back stronger in Monaco.”

Kimi Antonelli fears Imola exit from F1 calendar

With Imola's contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season and vast interest from other venues to host F1, its position on the calendar is in great jeopardy.

While Antonelli would retain a home race at the historic Monza track, which traditionally signals the end of the European leg of the season, the Mercedes driver outlined it would be a shame to lose Imola from the schedule.

“It would be a shame not to have Imola anymore on the calendar,” Antonelli said.

“It's an amazing track - it's not my lucky track. In four years [of racing], I've always had an issue [at Imola]. 

“So it's not my lucky track, but I still love it. The layout is amazing and it would be cool to have it on the calendar in the future years.”