Antonelli admits European races have ‘gone pretty badly’

Mercedes’ rookie Kimi Antonelli has opened up about the challenges he’s faced so far during F1’s European leg, admitting that the lows have significantly outnumbered the highs.

Despite a promising start to his rookie campaign, the 18-year-old Italian has struggled to maintain consistency since the championship returned to Europe, with a string of setbacks overshadowing his breakthrough podium in Montreal.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Antonelli reflected on his performances and highlighted for improvement while expressing confidence in his future with Mercedes.

“It’s gone pretty badly”

After scoring points in five of the first six rounds, Antonelli’s momentum stalled once F1 returned to Europe. Technical issues, costly errors, and misfortunes have plagued him in recent weeks, including DNFs at Imola, Catalunya, Austria, and Silverstone.

“I’ve had some highs and quite a few lows,” Antonelli told reporters at Spa on Thursday. “The European season hasn’t gone very well.

“I think it’s gone pretty badly. A few mistakes on my side and then we had a couple of issues as well.”

Among the setbacks: a barrier hit in Monaco qualifying that ruined his weekend, a crash on the first lap in Austria, and contact with Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar that ended his British Grand Prix early.

Only his surprise podium in Montreal, outside of Europe, offered respite during this rough stretch.

Learning Curve: The Challenge of F1’s Demands

Having made the leap to F1 after skipping Formula 3 and completing just a single season in Formula 2, Antonelli was inevitably confronted with a steep learning curve. Now, halfway through his rookie year, the Mercedes protégé admits the intensity and rhythm of the sport are testing his limits.

“I’m still trying to learn a lot and trying to gather all the information because sometimes, especially when you have back-to-back [rounds], it’s a bit difficult to put all the information that you get over a weekend together and trying to put what you learn [into practice] on track right after,” he explained.

“So it’s been a bit challenging.”

One of the key areas where Antonelli sees room for growth is qualifying, where he’s been outpaced by teammate George Russell at nearly every round.

“Qualifying has been a bit weak, but it’s more for me about trying to put it all together, especially when you get to the point where you have to find the last couple of tenths,” he said.

“I think I’ve not been that good on trying to do the right step.”

Still, he’s encouraged by the bigger picture: “I think overall it’s still been quite positive because I’ve been learning a lot and we’ve got some good results.

“But now the second half of the season is important to take the step and to find more consistency in myself.”

Looking Ahead: Focused on Growth, Confident in Future

Despite mounting speculation that Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is eyeing Max Verstappen for 2025, Antonelli remains unfazed about his position within the team. The young Italian insists that his focus is on development and contributing to the team's long-term progress alongside Russell.

“I’ve never been worried, to be honest,” he said. “I know the situation, I know what the team wants, especially looking at the future.”

“I think also Toto has been clear recently, so that’s obviously good to see. The team is working well. The line-up is good, me and George are working well together and we’re trying to work together to also help the team to find performances again.

"So I think we’re doing a pretty good job and also there’s a really good atmosphere in the team.

“It’s always nice to go back to the factory and see how much the team is pushing, not only for this year but as well ahead of next year.

“This means as well that there’s a good dynamic in the teams, but I’m sure the team knows what’s the best, especially for next year, and I’m pretty confident that I’m in a good position.”

Read also:

• Wolff: Russell-Antonelli are Mercedes’ ‘absolute priority’ for 2026

As the summer break looms, Antonelli is eager to reset and come back stronger in the final stretch of the season.

If the first half has been about adapting and enduring, the second promises an opportunity to turn lessons into results – and prove he belongs at the sharp end of Formula 1.

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