Kimi Antonelli has pressured Mercedes to fix the reliability issues that proved costly for the championship leader at the Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Antonelli’s title bid suffered a setback in Barcelona, after a reliability issue struck his W17 in the closing stages, as he ground to a halt.
Meanwhile his nearest rival in the standings, Lewis Hamilton, secured victory, and cut the deficit to the young Italian to just 41 points.
Antonelli’s stoppage had similarities to teammate George Russell’s issue in Canada, where he stopped on track during the race.
Reflecting on his race in Barcelona, Antonelli put pressure on his team to fix the issues, but praised the Mercedes power unit.
“Of course, it’s very disappointing, but these things happen,” Antonelli told media, including Motorsport Week.
“It happened to George in Canada; it happened to me this time.
“It’s definitely something we need to work on as a team, because it’s important points that we lost.”
Despite the disappointment, Antonelli remained philosophical about the situation.
“But these things can happen, especially in the first year of regulation. It’s not always easy to find the perfect reliability.
“I think our PU is incredibly strong, but for sure, reliability is not the best bit. But as I said, these things can happen; it’s no one’s fault. Now, a week of rest and then we’re back in Austria.”
Kimi Antonelli wary of Lewis Hamilton
Antonelli confirmed that new parts would be in place for Austria, but highlighted the need for a stronger performance.
“I think we’re bringing new bits every race. I feel like the team is doing an incredible job, the car is incredibly strong.
“I feel like we’re on an incredible run. Of course, today feels like a little bit of a bump on the road. But the important thing is that we get back up and we come back stronger.”
Antonelli also confirmed he is wary of Hamilton’s increasingly strong form, now believing him to be a threat.
“For sure, they’re in incredible form,” he said. Ferrari is very reliable. But they’re quick as well.
“So we just need to maximise every opportunity that we have. And then try to do our best. It’s not going to be straightforward, but I’m already looking forward to the next one because I really want to go back to where we left or from where we were finishing before.”
Antonelli will continue to push for fixes to Mercedes’ reliability issues until the team has fully rectified them. The season is rapidly approaching the halfway mark, and at present, he is in the prime seat for momentum.
Reliability issues is the last thing he needs as he seeks to cement his growing championship bid.