Kimi Antonelli has reflected on a positive qualifying session at the F1 Spanish GP, after struggling in the previous two rounds of the triple header.
The Mercedes driver finished P6 and will line up alongside Lewis Hamilton on the third row for Sunday’s race. Antonelli’s teammate George Russell qualified P4.
Antonelli: F1 Spanish GP qualifying was “not easy”
Antonelli managed to secure a spot in the top 10 at the end of all three qualifying sessions. However, despite his assured performance, the day wasn’t quite so straightforward. Having just one set of new tyres to complete Q3 with, he explained that the difference between used and new was so stark that it made the session quite challenging:
“Well, it was not an easy session,” he said in the print media pen.
“It took me a little bit to get into the rhythm, especially Q1, and then I had to use one extra set [of tyres] during the whole session, and then I was left with one new set only for Q3. The grip difference was quite big compared to the first and second run in Q3, and I feel like there was more time left on the table. Overall, I think the lap was quite decent.”
“There were a few mistakes here and there,” said Antontelli. “Probably also needed a little bit of a tow going into Q1, also looking at others. But yeah, still P6 and we’ll see what we can do from there tomorrow.”
Confidence gained after a disappointing couple of weekends
While Antonelli acknowledged that P6 might not have been the best result he could muster during the F1 Spanish GP qualifying, he said he “definitely” felt reassured after struggling in the previous two races of the triple header.
Qualifying 13th and 15th in Imola and Monaco respectively, the Mercedes driver hasn’t finished a race in the top 10 since the Miami GP. He admitted that this took a toll on his overall confidence, but the positive performance in Barcelona has lifted his spirits:
“After those two weekends, you kind of lose a bit of confidence. Definitely, it takes a little bit to get back into the rhythm, but I’m happy that I was able to get into Q3 and then to finish in 6th.
“Of course, I always want to finish higher and better. But still, after the two difficult weekends, it was a good way to come back. And yeah, now head down tomorrow.”
Antonelli: Spanish heat will play a role in tomorrow’s race
So far, track temperatures at the F1 Spanish GP have reached upwards of 45C. Drivers have stated grip around the circuit has been generally good but tyre management will still be a key factor during the race.
Antonelli said, “I think tomorrow is going to be really hard with the hot temperature.“
“We’ll see, but the goal is to try and keep the start as best as possible. We’ve been doing a lot of long runs with quite a lot of data, but the others are also very strong. We’ll see what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
