P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Has Kimi Antonelli been disappointing in his rookie F1 season?
F1 pundit Jolyon Palmer expressed his expectation for more from Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes considering his inconsistent start in F1 despite flashes of pace and achievements like pole position and a podium finish. Antonelli has been consistently behind teammate George Russell, regarded as one of the best drivers on the grid, who has performed exceptionally in 2025. Antonelli, seen as a ‘generational talent’, disappointed slightly compared to high expectations for the 18-year-old, despite extensive pre-season testing to prepare him. Both Antonelli and Russell face uncertainty regarding their future at Mercedes in 2026, with talks ongoing amidst Mercedes’ interest in signing Max Verstappen, influenced by Red Bull’s decline in performance.
