Antonelli reacts to Marko's quip with 'the goal is always to win' response

Due to his recent run of form, which has been subpar to what was expected given the "prodigy" background attached to incumbent Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Helmut Marko made some comments regarding the Italian and Mercedes, to which the rookie has now reacted.

What did Marko say about Antonelli?

Speaking to German media, the Red Bull chief advisor believed Mercedes had put Antonelli under too much pressure too soon by promoting him straight away, then boasting Red Bull's ownership of a sister team where to test young drivers out first.

Ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Antonelli was faced with Marko's comments, and the Italian explained to GPblog among other media present the context of the situation that his rookie year at Mercedes has developed itself in.

Antonelli under pressure 'to deliver the job' at Mercedes

"You know, of course, starting straight away in a top team is not always easy, but obviously racing for Mercedes is a massive privilege.

"At the same time, you need to deliver, you need to deliver the job. So sometimes you can feel under a lot of pressure. But I'm really happy to have started in Mercedes."

Antonelli, since his podium in Canada, has failed to string along solid performances across an entire weekend, hindering Mercedes' bid to overhaul Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship and his own form in the internal duel against Russell, to whom the gap remains too large.

These problems, Antonelli does not shy away from.

"Obviously, I've had some rough times, but the team has always been very supportive.

"And I'm aware I haven't done the best of jobs, especially at some point during the season. But this year is mainly to learn."

'The goal is to win, no regrets of being at Mercedes'

The Italian reveals then that his goal is always to stand on the top step, so a move to a smaller team first would not suit his approach, thus rendering his Mercedes drive a reason to be happy given all the knowledge he can acquire.

"Of course, the goal is always to go on track and win. But at the same time, it's important to get ready for next year.

"Definitely, if I would race in a junior team, there would be quite a bit less pressure. But as I said before, I'm really happy to have started in Mercedes because I can learn massively."