)
Andrea Kimi Antonelli expressed his disappointment after crashing in the first part of qualifying for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, explaining why this race, where he'll need to make up positions, will be significantly tougher than Monza.
The Formula 1 championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, stated he needs to "do a lot better" after an "unnecessary" incident in Baku qualifying left him starting 16th on the grid.
Antonelli made an unforced error in Q1, clipping the inside wall at Turn 1 at the start of his second flying lap. This caused critical suspension damage, forcing him to park his car.
Antonelli's initial lap had already secured his progression to Q2, but his inability to participate means he faces a Saturday race starting from 16th. Adding to his frustration, Mercedes proved to be the fastest team in Baku, with teammate George Russell dominating the competition to claim pole position by eight-tenths of a second. This suggests Antonelli likely missed out on a front-row start.
"It was simply a misjudgment due to the rapidly changing grip," Antonelli explained. "An unnecessary mistake in Q1 and a very good reminder that this isn't how things work, so I need to do a lot better."
"I had a much stronger headwind compared to the previous lap, so the front end was much more stable. I turned in at roughly the same point, but obviously, the car turned in more, and I hit the wall."
Having missed a significant portion of Thursday's practice due to a hydraulic issue, the 20-year-old driver was already at a disadvantage throughout the weekend. He admitted he "wasn't at 100 percent" and that Russell would have been tough to beat.
"George did an incredible job this weekend," Antonelli acknowledged. "He felt very comfortable with the car, so he certainly made the difference. I have to be honest, the car was also very, very fast."
The last time Antonelli started from the back of the grid, the Italian delivered one of his most memorable drives, securing a spectacular comeback victory at his home track, Monza.
However, while Baku's 6-kilometer street circuit also offers overtaking opportunities on its long straight, Antonelli cautioned that replicating his Monza success would be much harder to achieve.
"A good start, avoiding trouble, and then trying to maintain a really good pace," Antonelli summarized his plans for Saturday. "Obviously, it will be a bit harder than Monza because overtaking is tougher here, but I believe we can still have a good race."
"I have nothing to lose and just need to drive the best race I'm capable of. With experience, you learn how to progress. Of course, everything was a bit messy this weekend, but I think we can have a good race tomorrow."
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)