Kimi Antonelli Explains 'Talking to Tyres' Tactic After Mercedes' One-Stop Strategy

Kimi Antonelli revealed a peculiar tactic of 'talking' to his tires during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he was forced into an arduous 48-lap stint on a single set of hard compound tires. This unusual approach helped him manage severe graining and ultimately secure a surprising third-place podium finish after post-race disqualifications.

Why it matters:

• Antonelli's performance in Las Vegas, particularly his ability to manage tires under extreme pressure, showcases his potential and adaptability.
• This race was a significant learning curve for the young driver, demonstrating his capacity to extract performance even when faced with challenging strategic calls.
• A third-place podium, despite starting 17th and a five-second penalty, underscores his resilience and the effectiveness of his unique approach to tire management.

The Details:

• Starting Position and Early Strategy: Antonelli began the race in 17th on soft tires. An early virtual safety car allowed him to switch to hard compound tires, an unconventional move early in the race.
• Unplanned One-Stop: His team, Mercedes, implemented a 'Plan B' one-stop strategy, forcing him to nurse his hard tires for an astonishing 48 laps to the finish line.
• Graining Issues: Throughout the extended stint, Antonelli battled significant tire graining, a common issue when tires are pushed beyond their optimal lifespan.
• 'Talking to the Tyres': Antonelli confessed to 'talking' to his tires in the final 20 laps, pleading with them to hold on, a unique psychological approach to managing the demanding stint.
• Holding Off Challengers: Despite the worn tires and pressure from Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Antonelli managed to maintain pace and create a sufficient gap.
• Post-Race Promotion: Initially finishing fourth on track (fifth after a jump-start penalty), Antonelli was promoted to third place following the disqualifications of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for plank wear.
• Improved Pace: Antonelli noted that once in clear air and with team advice, the graining began to clear up, and his lap times surprisingly improved towards the end of the race.

What's next:

Antonelli views this challenging race as crucial learning experience. His ability to adapt and perform under pressure, especially with unconventional strategies, will be vital as he continues his development. The focus now shifts to the remaining races, where he'll aim to build on this surprising podium finish and further refine his race craft, particularly in tire preservation.