Antonelli Reveals Self-Doubt During Challenging F1 Rookie Season
LAS VEGAS, NV – November 21, 2023 - Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli has candidly admitted too experiencing periods of self-doubt during his debut Formula 1 season, despite a strong finish to the year that sees him poised to challenge established stars. The 17-year-old is just two points behind Lewis Hamilton in the drivers’ championship heading into the season finale.
Antonelli’s first year with Mercedes presented a steep learning curve, marked by initial struggles followed by a resurgence in performance. While consistently scoring points and achieving podium finishes in São Paulo and Las Vegas, the young driver confessed to a difficult mid-season period in Europe where his confidence wavered. This revelation underscores the immense pressure faced by newcomers entering the pinnacle of motorsport and highlights Antonelli’s maturity in acknowledging his vulnerabilities.
“This year has been a massive learning curve for me,” Antonelli stated. ”Definitely going into Mercedes this first year I think was a massive possibility.Obviously I was more under the spotlight, more under pressure, but I think that really helped me to grow even faster.”
The Italian driver detailed a challenging stretch where he questioned his ability to adapt to the demands of Formula 1. “I think this season I’ve had my ups and my downs. Obviously I had a very long, difficult period, but being able to overcome it made me stronger. It was kind of a small victory for me, because obviously during that period of time in Europe I even started to doubt myself and I was also afraid that I wouldn’t have been able to get out of it.”
However, Antonelli credits a turning point beginning with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as pivotal to his improved form. “But then obviously since Baku we’ve been in a good momentum and it’s been good fun recently. So I’m quite happy with the season, but mostly I’m happy with how much I grew and how much I matured as a person.”
Looking ahead, Antonelli expressed confidence in his preparation for the next season. “And definitely next year I’m going to be much more prepared and much more in control of the situation.” His reflections offer valuable insight into the mental fortitude required to succeed in Formula 1 and signal a promising future for the young talent.