Kimi Antonelli was annoyed with himself after qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix because the Method 1 championship chief missed out on pole on account of a mistake at Flip 1.
The Mercedes driver will begin Sunday’s race at Zandvoort from third after qualifying 0.133s off McLaren polesitter Lando Norris and 0.031s behind team-mate George Russell in second.
Antonelli reckons he “had a shot for pole” however on the finish of Q3 when rain was looming – after taking fourth together with his first run – he backed off an excessive amount of heading into the Flip 1 hairpin.
“I misplaced two tenths [in the first sector], in order that’s a disgrace,” the 19-year-old instructed Sky Sports activities Italy. “It was a tough qualifying session: I struggled to seek out the suitable really feel, particularly with the rear.
“It was a type of qualifying classes the place we didn’t contact the automotive, and often, because the session progresses, you begin including wing to assist it flip extra.
“That wasn’t the case right now as a result of I used to be nonetheless struggling, however I believed that in Q3 I had an opportunity to contend for it.
“Sadly, I made a mistake in Flip 1, particularly seeing the rain, as an example I went in too gradual and misplaced numerous time. So it was a mistake on my half, however it’s nonetheless a 3rd place.”
Lando Norris, McLaren, George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Photographs through Getty Photographs
It continued an already disappointing weekend for the Italian, who was affected by ground harm throughout Friday’s dash qualifying after an off on the penultimate nook in SQ1.
That value him “25 factors” of downforce leaving him fifth on the Saturday race grid earlier than finally ending fourth, behind winner Russell, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Norris.
“I did a mistake and that undoubtedly took some confidence away,” stated Antonelli. “And in addition right now in qualifying, primarily as a result of the sensation was not likely there with the automotive. I nonetheless struggled to seek out my rhythm and to place the lap instances collectively.”
However Sunday – which is able to mark the ultimate Dutch GP – presents an opportunity for Antonelli to bounce again and prolong his 53-point championship lead over Lewis Hamilton, who begins fifth.
“It would undoubtedly be necessary to get a superb begin after which attempt to put stress on the drivers forward, perhaps doing one thing completely different with the technique,” added Antonelli, who’s 56 factors forward of third-placed Russell, on Sky Sports activities Italy.
“Tyre administration throughout the stint may also be necessary, however I’ve to say that tomorrow we’ll have a superb probability to get a superb end result.
“The mindset is similar: on the assault, however utilizing my head. If the chance presents, you’re taking it. In any other case, you wait and see how the state of affairs develops. However I undoubtedly do not need to drive a defensive race.”
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