Kimi Antonelli voices shock over 'frustrating' Q1 exit

Kimi Antonelli has revealed his surprise over a mistake that led to his Q1 exit in the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session.

The Mercedes driver ended the first qualifying segment in 17th, marking the third time this season he has failed to advance past Q1.

The drivers were subjected to extremely wet conditions in Las Vegas, with many suffering minor mistakes as they came to grips with the slippery surface.

Antonelli revealed he entered the Turn 14 braking zone with caution on his final Q1 lap to ensure he did not make an error but still slipped off the road, denying him a late chance to improve. 

“It was tricky for everyone,” he told media including RacingNews365. “Obviously, it was very slippery.

“The last lap was going to be good enough for top five.

“I took some margin in the last braking [zone] just to avoid any bad surprises and still ended up locking up, losing the lap and getting knocked out.

“Two laps before I was in P5, to end up in P17 is very frustrating.”

Antonelli's qualifying setback comes just two weeks after he starred to a career-best result in Brazil, where he crossed the line in second place.

Despite his low qualifying position, the Italian has not ruled himself out of making gains up the order en route to the top 10.

“For sure, points,” Antonelli said when asked what he believes is possible for the race. “We've got the pace. 

“Hopefully, tomorrow we can do a good start and gain places.”