Mercedes’ championship chief Kimi Antonelli suffered a harsh however vital studying expertise throughout the British Grand Prix, with former System 1 driver and Sky Sports activities analyst Martin Brundle noting a communication breakdown that derailed the Italian’s cost for victory.
The Silverstone weekend initially appeared poised to be one other robust displaying for Antonelli. The 19-year-old had already secured his maiden dash victory on Saturday, sensationally passing Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari with a 25mph benefit on the Hangar Straight. He adopted this up by placing his Mercedes on pole place for the grand prix.
Regardless of dropping to 3rd behind Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton on the race begin, Antonelli appeared on observe to problem the Monegasque for the win after extending his first stint a full 10 laps longer than the Ferrari driver.
However catastrophe struck on lap 41 when one in all his wheel shields turned dislodged. Brundle argued that Antonelli wanted to be clearer with the knowledge he was relaying to Mercedes.
“It was heartbreaking for him, however one other lesson realized as he didn’t give clear sufficient info on his approach into the pits about his issues,” Brundle wrote in his Sky Sports activities column.
“The group modified the simple and quick components with a brand new nostril and entrance wing, and recent tyres, and despatched him out, however the offending bodywork was nonetheless blocking his steering and he needed to pit once more two laps later.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Photograph by: Simon Galloway / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures
“Kimi persevered and, nonetheless in tenth place with a probably essential one level in his pocket, he discovered exceptional tempo once more and carried on.”
Whereas Antonelli remained on observe to combat for any championship factors he might, he was finally labeled fifteenth after being handed a observe limits penalty.
“However along with his points he had been off the observe 5 occasions and was given a five-second penalty for ‘observe limits’,” Brundle continued.
“That rule wants adjusting, observe restrict penalties are for when drivers acquire a aggressive benefit by chopping corners or working large and so in a position to carry extra velocity. They shouldn’t be utilized once you’re surviving a mechanical challenge or getting out of the best way.”
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