Kimi Antonelli faced his first home Grand Prix in Imola with high hopes, but the pressure seemed to overwhelm him, leading to a challenging race weekend.
Italian driver Kimi Antonelli experienced the intense pressure of competing in front of a home crowd at Imola, where expectations were sky-high. His performance over the weekend was affected, culminating in a disappointing outcome after a mechanical issue forced him out of the race during lap 46. Despite being the first Italian to compete at Imola since 2021, Antonelli struggled both in qualifying and during the race itself, finding himself eliminated in Q2 and starting down in 13th position, behind the Ferrari drivers.
The race day brought some hope as Antonelli climbed up to eighth place, showing promising form. However, a problematic throttle began to malfunction a few laps after the virtual safety car period, ultimately cutting his race short. The young racer admitted to not managing his energy effectively, conceding that the excitement and support of the home fans were both a blessing and a hindrance. “I love the support of the Italian fans,” he said, acknowledging the crowd’s enthusiasm. Yet, he confessed that it clouded his preparation, adding, “I didn’t manage my energy that well, and that compromised the performance on track.”
While the mechanical failure was a critical factor, Antonelli also noted his own areas for improvement, particularly in managing race pace under hot temperatures. He explained that when conditions are cooler, his pace significantly improves, and he finds it easier to manage tire wear. This weekend served as an important lesson for the young Italian, teaching him to handle his energy better and stay relaxed even under immense pressure.
Looking forward, Antonelli remains optimistic about learning from this experience and is focused on preparing for Monaco. He recognizes the importance of being in top form and aims to concentrate on refining his driving skills and race strategy. Despite the setback, Antonelli’s weekend provided invaluable insights that will aid his growth as a driver. “Ahead of the next home race [in Monza], it was a really good lesson,” he commented, reflecting on the experience.
Kimi Antonelli’s first home Grand Prix at Imola proved to be a mixed bag of emotions and lessons. Though the pressure of the home crowd impacted his performance, it also provided him with crucial lessons for future races. With a focus on improving his energy management and race strategy, Antonelli looks to bounce back stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.
