Naomi Schiff has highlighted Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s determination during the recent British Grand Prix, emphasizing his winning mentality. The Mercedes driver, who was vying for victory, was affected by a mechanical failure that interrupted his race, although he displayed a combative attitude until the end.
After implementing a tire strategy with a 10-lap offset, Antonelli managed to cut the gap with Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, becoming up to 2.5 seconds faster per lap until a protection on the right front wheel blocked his steering mechanism. When the team suggested he retire, the Italian driver insisted on continuing to race to try to earn some points.
Despite finishing in fifteenth position after a penalty for exceeding track limits, his attitude has been well regarded within the paddock. “We saw a glimpse of this in Canada, where he spoke on the radio with a mentality that is exactly what is needed to win the championship,” Schiff commented on the podcast Up To Speed.
Antonelli continues to lead the championship, although his teammate, George Russell, has closed the gap to just 25 points after finishing second in his home GP.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI