Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli has acknowledged team principal Toto Wolff’s sharp criticism of his “underwhelming” performance at the Italian Grand Prix, expressing understanding and a determination to improve.
Antonelli, who was handed a five-second penalty that dropped him behind Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto at the chequered flag, endured a challenging race at Monza where he was classified ninth.
A mistake at the start, combined with difficulties on the hard tyres, compounded an already scruffy weekend that included running off track in FP2 and losing crucial practice time.
“Underwhelming this weekend. Underwhelming," a critical Wolff told reporters. "You can’t put the car in the gravel bed and expect to be there. All of the race was underwhelming."
Speaking ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the young Italian addressed Wolff’s comments with maturity, viewing them as motivation to deliver a stronger showing this weekend.
“I think I pretty much understand his comments,” Antonelli told reporters in Baku.
“Me and Toto are always very open to each other and we talk to each other quite openly. I think it was mainly about the race.
“Qualifying was actually pretty good despite the off in FP2. In the race, especially on the hard tyres, I struggled a little bit.
“Also, you know, I did the mistake at the start. I think it was mainly related to the race, which I agree with the comments, that wasn’t the best. I took it positively, as fuel to do even better for this weekend.”
Looking Ahead: Clean Sessions Key
Antonelli, who has scored points in only three of the last nine races, stressed the importance of avoiding mistakes in upcoming events.
“First of all, just try to have clean sessions,” he said.
“In Monza, I went off in FP2 super early on and I ended up not doing long runs. I went completely blind into the race. I didn’t get to feel the car on high fuel at all, so it was a bit difficult as I had to learn in the moment.
“In the car, I struggled to find my rhythm so that wasn’t ideal.
“Of course, the speed in qualifying was much better at Monza, so hopefully we can carry this into this weekend as well.
“The main goal is to have clean sessions and get as many laps as possible in the bag, and deliver the job in qualifying and in the race.”
As Antonelli prepares for the challenging Baku street circuit, his focus is clear: maximize track time, rebuild his confidence, and prove that he can rise to the occasion.
With Wolff’s support unwavering despite the recent criticism, the 19-year-old is determined to turn the page and demonstrate the potential that has made him one of F1’s most promising talents.
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