Antonelli Reflects on Missed Opportunity After Singapore Qualifying
Kimi Antonelli expressed regret following a challenging qualifying session for the Singapore Grand Prix, where he felt emotions compromised his performance. The Mercedes driver will start the race from fourth, just behind championship leader Oscar Piastri and teammate George Russell, who secured pole position.
A Promising Start Turned Troublesome
After delivering strong performances in Q1 and Q2, Antonelli faced significant setbacks during Q3. Traffic disrupted his initial attempt, and subsequent laps were marred by mistakes, leading him to overdrive his Mercedes. “I let my emotions get the better of me,” Antonelli admitted. “I was under pressure and didn’t focus as I should have.”
Learning from the Experience
Reflecting on his performance, Antonelli noted that while he was quick in many corners, he pushed too hard in critical moments. “It’s always a very fine line on understanding how much you can push,” he said. “When I see I’m close to a good result, I get a bit over the limit. I just need to control myself better.”
Focus Shift for Race Day
Despite his frustrations, Antonelli highlighted the positive aspects of his qualifying. “The potential was a lot higher, but I feel I’m in a better place with the car,” he explained. After struggling through the mid-season, Antonelli now feels he is on an upward trajectory. “The meeting with the team after Monza was a wake-up call. We’re back on a good trend.”
Looking Ahead
As the Singapore Grand Prix approaches, Antonelli is determined to turn things around. He remains optimistic, stating, “I’m feeling more and more confident in the car. It’s exciting.” With valuable lessons learned from qualifying, the young driver will aim to channel his emotions positively during the race.
Through careful analysis of his qualifying performance, Kimi Antonelli stands poised to demonstrate his resilience on the track, hoping to secure a strong finish in Sunday’s dramatic race.