Kimi Antonelli Explains Costly Mistake Handing Lando Norris Key Points in Title Race

Kimi Antonelli has shed light on the late-race incident during the Qatar Grand Prix where he veered off track, inadvertently gifting crucial championship points to Lando Norris. The slip-up occurred on the penultimate lap, allowing Norris to gain two vital points, which could significantly impact the tight title battle heading into the Abu Dhabi season finale.

Why it matters:

This incident in Qatar could be a pivotal moment in the F1 drivers' championship. Norris, now 12 points ahead of Max Verstappen, benefited directly from Antonelli's error. In a season where every point counts, especially in the final stages, such an unforced error can swing the momentum and potentially decide the outcome of the title.

The Details:

• The Incident: On the penultimate lap of the Qatar Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli, who had been holding fifth place, lost control of his car in Turn 9, allowing Lando Norris to overtake him for an additional two points.
• Antonelli's Explanation: Antonelli reported that he "went in a bit quicker than the lap before" into Turn 9, leading to an unexpected loss of rear grip. He attributed this to the "dirty air" from the car ahead, which made his car more unpredictable with less downforce and increased tire overheating.
• Subsequent Struggles: After the initial excursion, Antonelli continued to struggle with grip on the final lap, picking up debris from off the racing line. This led to further moments of instability, costing him additional time.
• Initial Comfort: Prior to the incident, Antonelli felt "pretty comfortable" and believed he was even out of Norris's DRS range for a few laps, making the mistake even more frustrating for him.

The Big Picture:

With the championship battle incredibly close, even minor incidents can have major repercussions. Norris's gain of two points from Antonelli's mistake could be the margin that seals his championship or keeps him in a stronger position against his rivals. It underscores the intense pressure drivers are under in the closing stages of a title fight, where even a momentary lapse can have significant implications.

What's Next:

All eyes will now be on the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The points gained from Antonelli's error have given Norris a slightly larger cushion. However, in F1, anything can happen. The teams and drivers will be meticulously reviewing every detail to ensure they are perfectly prepared for the decisive race.