“It was a mistake on my part”: Kimi Antonelli takes responsibility for his crash in FP1 at Monza
After just ten minutes on the track, Kimi Antonelli went off at Monza. The Mercedes was badly damaged. The Italian admitted his mistake.
He made headlines in this Italian weekend. Kimi Antonelli was highly anticipated in Monza. Mercedes’ protege was able to take part in the first free practice session in George Russell’s car. But his adventure was short-lived.
After just ten minutes, he lost control of the W15 in the Parabolica and hit the wall. The impact was violent. Initially measured at 45G, the measurement ultimately turned out to be higher than the one provided by Toto Wolff. It was actually measured at 52G, meaning he was heavy, revealed the person involved.
To read also: Kimi Antonelli has already put his Mercedes in the wall at Monza
« I am sorry for the team and for George, because this is not how we wanted the situation to unfold. It is a pure mistake on my part, I pushed a little too hard for the conditions. I should have accelerated more gradually and it’s something I will learn from.
According to his boss, the 18-year-old young man reiterated the same statement upon his return to the Mercedes garage. « This is what needs to be done when you bring back the car like a fallen Lego box », reminded the team boss.
Despite this off-road excursion, the boss of Mercedes was keen to reiterate his unwavering support for his driver. In a press conference, he indicated that this accident would not change anything about his choice for the second seat in 2025. Toto Wolff kept his promises as Kimi Antonelli was confirmed for next year this Saturday, August 31st.
Heading for the Formula 2 championship
Even though the experience was very short, the Italian enjoyed driving a Formula 1 car. “I am always grateful to the team for allowing me to drive in FP1. It was great to drive in front of the tifosi and to be on track with all the other drivers,” the driver says.
We should see him again in the Mercedes in Mexico. This time in Lewis Hamilton’s single-seater. In the meantime, Kimi Antonelli must focus on his Formula 2 season. The championship also stops at Monza. The sprint race is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. this Saturday. The main race will take place on Sunday at 10:05 a.m.
