Kimi Antonelli described the situation as “a different story” after Mercedes decided to switch back to an older suspension setup following the Hungarian Grand Prix. Although he qualified only 11th, the 18-year-old driver noted improvements, explaining that the Mercedes car became significantly easier to handle with this change.

Since Formula 1’s return to Europe, Antonelli has faced a difficult period, managing just six points across multiple races on the continent. Despite ongoing struggles this weekend in Budapest, the shift back to the previous suspension specification helped him regain some confidence in the W16 car.

I think the confidence was there because lap one in Q1 was good,

Antonelli said. He added,

Then lap two in Q2 was wet in sector two and then, on the new tyre, I don’t know what happened.

Already, from Turn 1, I lost the rear completely and it’s a shame, because I definitely had more confidence. But once again, things didn’t go my way.

The decision to revert to the earlier suspension model was finalized after discussions within the Mercedes team, with Antonelli emphasizing that the car handled noticeably better as a result.

Mercedes team’s suspension switch supported by positive feedback from drivers

Following qualifying in Budapest, more reactions confirmed the impact of the suspension change on Mercedes’ performance. Antonelli highlighted that both he and his teammate George had felt more comfortable with the old suspension system earlier in the season, leading the team to make the switch again.

Definitely was a different story this weekend,

Antonelli remarked.

I think as a team, we had a meeting as well, and we saw that with the suspension, both me and George felt better at the start of the season. So it was a decision that we took as a team.

The stark contrast in car behavior after the suspension change made Antonelli express regret that Mercedes had not returned to the previous setup sooner.

He reflected,

It’s a bit of a shame that we didn’t go earlier to the old suspension because definitely today, this weekend overall, I felt far more confident in the car than I was before.

Antonelli also pointed out that the cooler temperatures and improved track grip conditions contributed to there being more potential during the event.

It’s a shame, because I think today, the result could have been much better. Conditions were different since this morning, a lot different. Temperature was much lower and grip was higher. So there was a lot more potential on the table.

Ongoing challenges despite boost in car handling

While the suspension adjustment has brought some improvement to Antonelli’s driving experience and confidence, the overall challenge of adapting to competitive conditions across European races remains. The episode highlights the importance of technical decisions in driving performance and the ongoing effort by the Mercedes team to optimize their car setup during the season.

Antonelli’s reflections underline the frustration and tension felt when changes come too late to influence race outcomes. Going forward, this experience may shape how Mercedes manages development decisions to support both Antonelli and his teammate George as they aim to improve results throughout the remainder of the season.