Mercedes handed critical Kimi Antonelli 'head spiral' message

Mercedes has been warned by former F1 driver Martin Brundle it must protect Kimi Antonelli during his current rough patch, to ensure his "head doesn't spiral". 

The Italian teenager enters the Hungarian Grand Prix without a point in six of the past seven events, the exception being his maiden podium in Montreal. 

All of Antonelli's non-point finishes have come in Europe, with the continent representing the home of the 18-year-old's current difficulties. 

Following a Q1 exit in Belgium, the Mercedes driver was the final driver to enter the media pen, where he was spotted holding a tissue, suggesting emotions had been flowing. 

It marks a challenging period in his rookie campaign, which had started flawlessly in tricky conditions in Australia earlier this year. 

Brundle has urged the youngster to keep pushing, but recognised he has "no reference" having been so protected by Mercedes.

"He's just got to stick with it," Brundle told Sky F1, discussing Antonelli's recent struggles. "We've seen the talent in Melbourne and Canada, for example, of what he's capable of achieving. 

"But the trouble for Kimi is he's been so fast-tracked in a protected environment, he's got nothing to draw on. Now it's getting tough. 

"He's got nowhere to go to, no reference points, but he's got a lot of people rallying around him. He's got the raw talent, but they've just got to make sure his head doesn't spiral." 

Mercedes changes

Whilst Antonelli's performances have worsened dramatically, George Russell has also endured a few challenging races since his win in the Canadian Grand Prix. 

Mercedes' general pace has decreased, with the team having reverted to its old rear suspension at the Hungaroring in a bid to bounce back. 

Brundle is hopeful the change will deliver a much-needed boost to Antonelli, who finished 10th and three places behind Russell in second practice.

"They've gone back to the old rear suspension. It's quite clear that Mercedes has gone wrong somewhere in the last few races," added Brundle.

"They've got to backtrack and find out where, and hopefully he'll be up to speed here. But I know what it's like when you lose confidence, you tighten up in the car, and you get too aggressive.

"It's like playing golf or a tennis swing, [as soon as you] tighten up, you lose that natural rhythm and the follow through or whatever. And this happens in the car. 

"You over-control it, and as soon as it starts sliding, when you're confident, you just don't care. When you're not, oh no, or it starts to rain, and that's where your head needs to come through."