Antonelli admits one-lap pace still short of target

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli says qualifying remains his biggest weakness as he continues to adapt to Formula 1 in his debut campaign.

The 18-year-old’s first Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps ended in frustration and tears after a lack of pace all weekend. In response, Mercedes switched back to an older rear suspension configuration for Hungary, a change that delivered an immediate performance boost.

Even so, the Italian - heralded as Lewis Hamilton’s long-term replacement and once likened to Max Verstappen - concedes he is still learning how to maximise a single lap.

“In qualifying, the grip is extremely high. You enter the corners so much faster than in the race. And on every lap, you think,  this corner is going even faster. I’m not at the point yet where I’m at the absolute limit on the first lap,” he told Auto Motor und Sport.

“I’m feeling my way toward the limit. The problem is that qualifying doesn’t give you many opportunities to work toward it for a long time. On top of that, the limit is constantly changing with the conditions, but I’m working on it.”

Antonelli says the deficit to teammate George Russell is reduced once the lights go out.

“Tyre management is easier for me because you’re not driving at the limit in the race,” he said. “Then you also have a better idea of how much the car will forgive you.”

With Mercedes’ push to sign Max Verstappen now off the table, the team is widely expected to keep both Russell and Antonelli for 2026.

“My goal has to be to achieve the same times as him,” Antonelli added. “I believe that’s possible. George is having an extremely strong season. He’s showing that he’s among the best. Especially when the car is working, he demonstrates what he’s capable of. He’s a truly challenging teammate. If I were at his level at the end of the year, that would be an honour.”