Kimi Antonelli has openly acknowledged that he is struggling for confidence in his driving during this challenging Formula 1 season, describing his recent performance as feeling forced and unnatural. The 18-year-old Italian rookie has experienced a steep drop in form since the strong start to his maiden F1 campaign with Mercedes, which has affected his ability to push the limits on track.
Antonelli, racing for the Brackley-based team, had an encouraging beginning to the year with consistent points finishes and a podium in Canada, but the momentum has faltered over the past few races. This decline comes at a pivotal time when his future with the team for 2026 is expected to be finalized.
Recent Races Highlight Growing Difficulties and Confidence Issues
Following five points-scoring finishes in six events, the second quarter of the season saw Antonelli retire from four of his last six races. At Silverstone, he struggled to connect with the balance of his Mercedes W16, resulting in a forgettable weekend. More recently in Belgium, he qualified 18th and finished 17th in the Sprint race, reflecting a persistent dip in performance.
The ongoing challenges have noticeably impacted Antonelli’s confidence behind the wheel. He described the current phase as a difficult moment where he feels he has stepped backward in his development, particularly in finding the right rhythm with the car. Attempts to push harder resulted in spins, further undermining his trust in his own driving style and the car’s limits.
Antonelli Discusses Driving Challenges and Support from Mercedes
The young rookie admitted the way he has been driving recently does not feel natural, leading to a forced and uncomfortable experience on track. He emphasized the tension between pushing aggressively and maintaining stability, which remains elusive given the performance constraints of the car.
“Since the European season, I’ve been struggling to find confidence with the car, and I’ve felt I’ve done a backward step, and it’s a difficult moment for me, because I feel like I have no confidence on pushing,” — Kimi Antonelli
“That gives me even less confidence with the car.” — Kimi Antonelli
“It’s very forced the way I’m driving, and it’s just difficult.” — Kimi Antonelli
Antonelli acknowledged the ongoing efforts from his Mercedes team to support him through this phase but feels that trying to alter his driving style has complicated rather than improved his situation. He recognizes that his naturally aggressive approach, aimed at carrying speed into corners, may be exacerbating the issues given the car’s limitations.
He is aware that achieving the ideal balance is unlikely but is focused on finding more stability rather than sheer aggression, hoping to regain the form that made him a standout rookie earlier in the season.
“Of course, it’s impossible to have the perfect balance. I’m just trying to work on that side. But it’s not easy.” — Kimi Antonelli
Potential Impact and Next Steps for the Young Driver
Kimi Antonelli’s struggles with confidence come at a critical juncture in his F1 career, with his future at Mercedes for 2026 pending confirmation. How he absorbs this difficult period and adapts his driving approach will be crucial for his continued development as one of the sport’s promising rookies.
The team’s support will remain vital in helping Antonelli rediscover consistency and comfort in how he manages the car’s performance. Should he overcome this confidence dip, the young Italian could resume his upward trajectory amidst fierce competition from teammates and rivals across the 2025 grid.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Kimi Antonelli crash?
A. Antonelli, an 18-year-old new driver for Mercedes, collided with Verstappen’s Red Bull after losing control of his brakes on the first lap’s third turn. Both vehicles suffered significant damage, forcing the drivers to withdraw and harming Verstappen’s chances for the title.
Q. Does Kimi Antonelli have photographic memory?
A. Ollie Bearman is impressed by Kimi Antonelli’s amazing ability to remember his lap times perfectly. Antonelli’s photographic memory for these details astonishes Bearman.
Q. Why did Kimi Antonelli crash?
A. The race officials noted that Antonelli made an error when his rear wheels locked. He tried to steer clear of crashing into Liam Lawson’s car. As a result, he briefly let off the brakes.