Kimi Antonelli 'Confused' by Las Vegas GP Jump-Start Penalty

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has expressed confusion over the jump-start penalty he received at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, stating he "didn't really feel" any forward movement. Despite the penalty, Antonelli delivered a strong performance, completing a remarkable 50-lap stint on hard tires to climb to a provisional podium spot before penalties were applied.

Why it matters:

• Antonelli's strong drive, marked by exceptional tire management and pace, demonstrates his burgeoning talent and potential for future success in Formula 1.
• The incident highlights the fine margins and technicalities involved in F1 race starts, where even imperceptible movements can lead to penalties.
• His ability to recover and secure significant points, even with a penalty, underscores the competitive spirit and strategic depth required at the pinnacle of motorsport.

The Details:

• Jump-Start Incident: Antonelli received a five-second penalty for a jump start, which he attributed to a slight roll he "didn't really feel" from inside the car. He plans to review onboard footage to understand the issue better.
• Impact on Results: The penalty initially dropped him from fourth to fifth, just ahead of Charles Leclerc. However, the McLarens' disqualification later promoted him to the final podium spot, though he didn't participate in the ceremony.
• Strategic Tire Management: Antonelli completed a demanding 50-lap stint on hard tires in a 52-lap race, a testament to his tire preservation skills.
  • He admitted to "talking to the tires" in the final 20 laps, managing graining, and receiving team advice that helped improve his pace towards the end of the race.
• Undercut Success: Pitting under a virtual safety car on lap two, Antonelli mitigated time loss and, through excellent subsequent pace, undercut competitors to move up the order.
• Denial of Team Play: Antonelli denied intentionally backing up Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc to aid his Mercedes teammate George Russell, asserting he was focused on maximizing his own race result and scoring points for the team.

The Big Picture:

Antonelli's impressive performance in Las Vegas is part of a strong recent run, where he has accumulated 71 points in the last six rounds, compared to 66 in the first 16. This surge has significantly reduced his deficit to Lewis Hamilton in the championship standings, from 49 to 15 points in just two Grands Prix.

What's Next:

Antonelli's consistent improvement and mature racecraft suggest he is a talent to watch. As he continues to gain experience and fine-tune his race starts, his ability to deliver strong results under pressure will be a key factor in his progression through the ranks and his potential impact on future F1 seasons.