Antonelli Explains Qatar GP Mistake That Cost Him P4 to Norris

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has shed light on the costly error that saw him cede fourth place to Lando Norris during the Qatar Grand Prix. The Mercedes rookie was fiercely pursuing Carlos Sainz for a podium spot when he lost control of his car on the penultimate lap, allowing Norris to snatch crucial points. This incident drew criticism from Red Bull figures like Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights the intense pressure and fine margins in Formula 1, particularly for a rookie like Antonelli. Conceding fourth place to a title contender like Norris had significant implications for the championship battle, underscoring how even small mistakes can alter the competitive landscape. The public criticism from Red Bull figures also adds another layer of scrutiny on Antonelli's performance and Mercedes' strategy, reigniting debates about driver conduct and team orders.

The Details:

• Antonelli described pushing hard on the hard compound tires, closing in on Sainz for DRS when the incident occurred.
• In Turn 9, Antonelli experienced a "massive moment" where he almost crashed, leading him to run off track and lose the position to Norris.
• He acknowledged entering the corner "a bit quicker than the lap before." Antonelli suspects the combination of dirty air, reduced downforce, and overheating tires contributed to the car's unpredictable behavior.
• "I just lost the rear all of a sudden," Antonelli stated, expressing surprise at the car's snap oversteer at high speed.
• The initial off-track excursion led to picking up dirt, causing another significant moment in the subsequent corner, further cementing his loss of position.
• Antonelli believes he could have "comfortably" held Norris behind if not for the error, as Norris struggled to pass in dirty air.
• He also felt he had a genuine shot at the podium, predicting he would have had DRS on Sainz with two laps to go, and potentially a final lap opportunity had he not made the mistake.

Reactions:

• Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko controversially suggested Antonelli "waved Lando Norris by," implying it was a deliberate move, not just a mistake.
• Max Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, also criticized Antonelli's performance.
• Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff vehemently defended Antonelli, calling Marko's comments "utter nonsense" and emphasizing Antonelli's commitment to fighting for position.

What's next:

Antonelli plans to meticulously review the data to understand the precise cause of the error, whether it was driver input or car-related. This incident serves as a crucial learning experience for the young Mercedes driver as he continues to adapt to the demanding world of Formula 1. His ability to analyze and rectify such mistakes will be vital for his development and future prospects in the sport, especially given the high expectations placed upon him by Mercedes.