P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli believes breakthrough result in Canada allows for a more aggressive approach.
Kimi Antonelli expressed his increased confidence and reduced tension for the remaining races of his rookie Formula 1 season following his first podium finish in the Canadian Grand Prix, where he finished third alongside his teammate George Russell who clinched the victory for Mercedes.
The 18-year-old driver had been close to a podium finish in previous races like the one in Miami, but Canada marked his breakthrough moment where he capitalized on his potential and secured a spot in the top three, which will have a positive impact on his future performances.
Antonelli highlighted the importance of the Canadian result in boosting his morale and enabling him to be more aggressive early in race weekends, which could potentially enhance his qualifying sessions that have been challenging with many uncertainties to overcome.
The young driver noted that previous setbacks, like his crash at Monza last year, had made him overly cautious and conservative in his approach, but the recent podium has inspired him to find the right balance and be more assertive to stay competitive in the tight F1 competition.
Antonelli emphasized the need to make progress and take necessary steps to improve, especially in practice sessions where he aims to explore more and gain a better understanding of the car’s performance to arrive well-prepared for the crucial qualifying rounds.
With the experience gained from Montreal’s success, Antonelli looks forward to applying a more relaxed and confident mindset in his driving, ensuring a proactive approach to maximize his potential and deliver strong performances throughout the rest of the season.
