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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed how a mix-up in the pit lane cost Andrea Kimi Antonelli a better qualifying position at the F1 Austrian GP.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed a pit lane mix-up cost Andrea Kimi Antonelli a better qualifying position at the Austrian Grand Prix, as the young Italian rookie missed out on setting a final lap in Q3 which could have secured a top six finish.
Wolff admitted that a misunderstanding in sending Antonelli out at the front of the queue ultimately backfired, as he was held up behind another car and missed out on the checkered flag by a second.
Despite the setback, Antonelli remained optimistic about Mercedes’ race pace and their potential to make up positions in the sweltering heat on Sunday.
Mercedes’ struggles in the hot conditions were evident as Antonelli’s teammate George Russell could only manage fifth in qualifying.
With Ferrari securing a front-row start and Mercedes looking to minimize damage, the stage is set for an unpredictable race at the Red Bull Ring, where Russell famously capitalized on a chaotic race last year to secure victory.
