Kimi Antoneli says he feels “very lucky” that Mercedes has not put any additional pressure on him while facing the challenges of his rookie season in Formula 1.
Mercedes signed Antonelli with George Russell this season. The 18-year-old stepped up to Formula 1 just two years after racing in the Formula region. Antonelli got off to a strong start, but seven European races created a lonely point. He says he appreciates the approach Mercedes has addressed his development.
“I feel like I’m in a very lucky position because despite being in the top team, I can learn without putting too much pressure.
“Of course, what I want and what my team wants is to win every time. Every time I get off track, the goal is to win. And when I know I’m not performing, I’m the first to be unhappy with myself. But when I make a mistake, the team is always very supportive.
The Italian said the rest of the patience of team principals Totowolf and Mercedes helped, but as he waited for confirmation of contract extension, Antonelli admitted that he put too much pressure on himself during his tough outcome.
“(Support) was very important. This is important not only for Toto, but for the entire team,” he said. “I think there are really good people around me. It’s what I want for the best for me. They’ve been trying to protect me, and I didn’t feel any pressure from the team.
“I think it was the pressure that was on the team and more than anything, the team and themselves, and the teams and they were always… obviously they were pushing, but that’s good.
“Sometimes they were trying to push me, but that’s a good thing and as a driver, you need it, obviously because I’m racing for the top team.
“To be honest, I’ve never felt any pressure from the team, and so far they’ve tried their best to put me in the best position. So I think I’m putting too much pressure on myself by injecting myself with pain.
“But I know very much that with all the rumours and things, the team has always been supportive and always been clear and open to me about what they want and everything, so I know that I can clean up this noise.
