Antonelli seeks a fresh start in Suzuka, determined to improve his qualifying performance and maintain a solid rhythm on track.
Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has had an impressive start to the season, and the young talent is eager to continue refining his skills at Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix.
With the weekend following a traditional format without a Sprint race, Antonelli sees it as an excellent opportunity to prepare fully.
“It’s great to be at Suzuka,” Antonelli said. “I’ve spent a lot of time in the simulator here, and the track is amazing. I can’t wait to get on the circuit. I’ve learned a lot over the past few weekends, especially in qualifying. My goal this weekend is to maximize performance during qualifying, focusing on getting the tires into the right window.”
He added, “The approach will be the same. It’s a new circuit, and we’re back to a traditional weekend format, so I can prepare properly. I want to start with a good rhythm because this is a challenging track, and confidence is key. It’s important to strike the right balance between pushing hard and not overdoing it, as that could lead to losing confidence.”
Antonelli Focused on Qualifying Progress
Despite his strong start, Antonelli isn’t fully satisfied with his qualifying performances so far but believes he can make progress. “I was disappointed because I felt there was potential to do better, but qualifying is a fine balance. It’s easy to push too hard and make a mistake, which can compromise the entire session,” he explained.
“I want to improve and keep progressing gradually. I don’t want to rush, make a mistake, and take steps back. I know there’s potential for better qualifying results, and I have another chance this weekend. I’m hoping to do better.”
Even with just one season in Formula 2, Antonelli feels well-prepared, especially thanks to the 9,000 kilometers of private testing with older cars (TPC). “The tests were really important for me. They helped me get in sync with the car and understand all the procedures and buttons,” he said.
“What I learned most from those tests was the tires. To be honest, the biggest surprise was how different the tires are between the TPC cars and the race car. The grip is completely different, but those tests were incredibly helpful. Going into the season, I had a good idea of what to expect.”
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Antonelli Aims for Strong Qualifying at Suzuka Antonelli Aims for Strong Qualifying at Suzuka
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