F1 | Kimi Antonelli is now a problem for Ferrari: Mercedes can exploit a championship advantage. Kimi Antonelli’s return to form has boosted Mercedes in the constructors’ championship fight.

F1, Ferrari under pressure as Kimi Antonelli helps Mercedes take second place in the championship

Mercedes and Ferrari are locked in a fierce fight for second place in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, and Kimi Antonelli’s performance could prove decisive. After the most recent Grand Prix in Baku, Mercedes overtook Ferrari for P2 in the standings. Strong results from both Mercedes drivers, combined with Ferrari’s disappointing weekend, allowed the Silver Arrows to move ahead. Now even Red Bull has entered the mix, setting the stage for a tight three-way fight all the way to Abu Dhabi.

This weekend, the difference was also made by Antonelli. The young Italian talent managed to secure fourth place after a long stretch of difficulties. A series of retirements and few points during the European leg of the season had pushed the Brackley-based team backwards, forcing them to rely heavily on George Russell. If Antonelli can now consistently deliver strong results, he will become a serious threat for Ferrari in the standings.

The fight for second place

Mercedes analyzed the Azerbaijan weekend by underlining just how crucial the battle with Ferrari has become in the Constructors’ Championship. The conditions at the Baku City Circuit played in favor of the Silver Arrows, who collected 30 points compared to just 6 for the Scuderia.

“A small advantage in points over Ferrari and only slightly more over Red Bull. All three of us want second place in the championship. Red Bull have been doing extremely well lately, with Max showing incredible form in that car,” explained Mercedes technical director James Allison. “Ferrari are also a strong opponent. Our focus is on putting both cars in positions that bring home big points every weekend.”

With Mercedes now leading the chasing pack, the team knows that the outcome is firmly in its own hands. “We expect it to be incredibly tight from here until the end of the season. It’s definitely achievable for us if we execute well,” James Allison added.

Kimi Antonelli’s results

During the last race weekend, Kimi Antonelli finally managed to get closer to Russell in terms of raw pace. “Putting attention on free practice sessions is crucial to arrive at qualifying in great shape. That is fundamental to make sure the race goes the right way,” James Allison commented.

The Mercedes technical director also emphasized how costly mistakes can be on a Friday. “Every single error in free practice costs much more than people might imagine. Kimi did a champion’s job by making sure he didn’t put a foot wrong. He went into the escape road only once during the entire weekend, and his car finished without a single scratch.”