From zero confidence to big step: Antonelli shines in Suzuka Q3

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli turned a torrid start to his Japanese Grand Prix weekend into a remarkable performance in qualifying, sealing his place in the session’s shootout and a P6 on Sunday’s grid.

Antonelli trailed his Mercedes teammate by 0.237s in Q3, putting together a resurgence on Suzuka’s unforgiving layout that was a quiet highlight of Saturday’s action.

On Friday, the 18-year-old endured a rather inauspicious start to his weekend, concluding his day a lowly P16 and gaining only three positions in FP3, the final dress rehearsal before qualifying.

A Struggle Overcome

Antonelli bared his early frustrations to Sky Sports.

“I'm not going to lie - in free practice, I was lost and had zero confidence, mainly because I was really struggling to improve,” he explained.

“Qualifying was a big step forward but I am disappointed I had to make such a step. It was way too big. You're not arriving qualifying already with a good confidence, and I really arrived with zero confidence.

“So definitely, you know, ahead of the next one, I need to be more proactive in practice, try to find the limit a bit better.

“Of course, it's not an easy track this one, and was also new, but I think on that side I can do better to arrive more prepared in free practice.”

His candid reflection revealed a steep learning curve, met with a gritty qualifying effort.

Rain as an Ally

With rain looming on Sunday according to the latest forecast, Antonelli sees opportunity.

“I mean, I wouldn't mind if it would rain tomorrow, even for the first part of the race,” he said.

“But yeah, I mean, the weather seems like it's going that way, mainly for the start, but I think now, I will have a lot of data to look on ahead of tomorrow and then we'll see what we can do.”

Russell, meanwhile, lamented his fifth position in qualifying.

“I was really disappointed with P5 as I have felt great all weekend,” he admitted. “It got a bit cooler in P3, I tried something different with the tyres and it just didn’t work.

“That is frustrating but it could be worse. P5 is not a terrible place to start and with some rain potentially around tomorrow anything can happen.

“We are definitely there or thereabouts to fight for the podium, maybe not the win. But with changeable conditions, who knows?”

Together, Mercedes’ duo eyed a chaotic Sunday. They may very well be right.

Japanese Grand Prix - Qualifying Results

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.