Mercedes Antonelli showcased his exceptional talent during the third free practice session (FP3) of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. He became the first driver to clock a time under 1m 13s, reaffirming the strong pace of his team throughout the season. Continuing this momentum, he achieved a remarkable lap time of 1m 12.051s in qualifying, securing the fourth pole position of his career.
Qualifying Highlights from Monaco
Antonelli’s teammate, George Russell, faced challenges throughout the event. He finished qualifying in sixth place, nearly four tenths slower than Antonelli, and expressed frustration with the lack of pace.
Antonelli expressed his thrill at taking pole position, stating, “Qualifying wasn’t completely straightforward at the start. The car felt a bit on edge, but adjustments helped me feel comfortable as the session progressed.” He emphasized the unpredictability of the Monaco race and the importance of a strong start.
Drivers’ Performances
- Kimi Antonelli: 1st Place, Time: 1:12.051
- George Russell: 6th Place, Time: 1:12.445
Russell reflected on his struggles, noting a lack of confidence in grip levels, which affected his performance. “I need to understand why I am struggling with the tyres,” he stated, expressing optimism for the race despite starting sixth.
Team Insights
Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, praised Antonelli’s performance, highlighting the historical significance of this pole position in Monaco. Wolff acknowledged Russell’s difficulties, affirming the team’s belief in his capabilities. “It’s only a matter of time before he bounces back,” Wolff noted.
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, commended Antonelli’s execution during qualifying, citing the team’s overnight improvements. He mentioned that both drivers faced a challenging track but noted Antonelli’s ability to optimize his performance in the critical moments.
Looking Ahead to the Race
As the drivers prepare for the race, Antonelli aims to leverage his pole advantage while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of street racing. The team is focused on ensuring that both drivers achieve the best possible results.
