18 November 2025Racingnews365AnalysisInterviewReactions
Kimi Antonelli Reveals 'Kick in the Pants' After European Struggles
Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli has revealed that a "kick in the pants" from his father and Toto Wolff helped him overcome a disastrous run of form during the European segment of his rookie season. After scoring just three points in nine European rounds, Antonelli's performance immediately rebounded once the season moved to flyaway races, showing a significant return to pace and confidence thanks to crucial interventions from his mentors.
Kimi Antonelli, a highly-touted Mercedes junior driver, has opened up about the severe slump he experienced during the European leg of his rookie campaign, attributing his recovery to stern guidance from his father and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.
Why it matters:
- Antonelli's struggles and subsequent turnaround offer insight into the immense pressure and rapid learning curve young drivers face in high-stakes motorsport. His ability to rebound after a tough period highlights resilience and the critical role of strong mentorship.
- With Antonelli frequently linked to a future F1 seat, understanding how he handles adversity is crucial for assessing his potential and readiness for the sport's pinnacle.
The details:
- European Nightmare: Antonelli scored a mere three points across nine European rounds, a stark contrast to the 119 points accumulated elsewhere in the season.
- Loss of Rhythm: He explained that new suspension setups contributed to a lack of comfort in the cockpit, making it difficult to find a consistent rhythm.
- Mechanical Issues: While not solely to blame, mechanical problems also plagued his European races, exacerbating his performance issues.
- Self-Imposed Pressure: The poor results led to increased nervousness, causing him to overthink and make uncharacteristic mistakes.
- Intervention from Mentors: Antonelli credits Toto Wolff and his father for a critical "kick in the pants" after the Monza race, which served as a necessary "reset."
- This intervention involved "verbal rebukes and pieces of advice" that, while painful, helped him refocus.
- Team Support: A crucial long meeting with his engineers also played a significant role in helping him understand and overcome his difficulties.
What's next:
- Following his rebound, Antonelli has shown strong form, including a second-place finish in both the Sprint and Grand Prix in São Paulo, marking a dramatic turnaround.
- His current trajectory suggests he is a strong contender for future races, including the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
- This experience underscores that even the most promising young talents require significant support and mental fortitude to navigate the demanding world of professional motorsport.