Antonelli names the change that got him through a "long dark" stint

Rookie Kimi Antonelli has reflected on his struggles during the European leg of the season, after he began to rediscover his form.

Antonelli endured a difficult spell during the European leg of the campaign. The Mercedes driver finished seventh in Imola, but before the summer break, his only points in Europe came from a single finish at the Hungaroring. His first-ever podium arrived outside the continent, in Canada.

Since the summer break, Antonelli has consistently finished inside the points — doing so at every race except Zandvoort and COTA, where he was involved in collisions.

In Mexico City, he said: "I think a lot of the approach changed. Obviously, I had a very big and long dark time in the European season.

"I think because the results kept not coming, frustration started to get over. I just started to realise that I wasn't really focusing on the target, on the basics, and on the process. I was just focusing on the final result.

Antonelli in the Mercedes at the 2025 Mexico City GP - Photo: Race Pictures

"But then, as the final result was never coming, frustration was starting to get over. And after Monza, there was a moment where I sat with the team – we had a big meeting – and we agreed that something needed to change.

"My approach has been a lot different ever since. Now I'm focusing a lot more on the task, which is driving well, putting things together. I know if I do these things well, then the result will come by itself," he explained.

Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Antonelli and George Russell's contract extensions have also been announced by Mercedes. GPblog could then report that the Italian's contract runs until 2026.

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