Kimi Antonelli has conceded that feeling “more tense than usual” at the Mexico City Grand Prix – a weekend in which he could potentially seal his maiden World Championship – played a factor in his Qualifying performance, with the Italian not satisfied by his outing en route to P4.
While the other Mercedes of George Russell looked to be in the fight for pole position – the Briton ultimately ending the session in P2 behind Lewis Hamilton – Antonelli had to settle for fifth place, which will subsequently become fourth on the grid due to a one-place penalty for Max Verstappen ahead.
Twenty-four hours ahead of what might be a momentous day for the youngster – with a P9 finish being enough to secure the title – Antonelli admitted when reflecting back on the session that it had not been the most straightforward outing amid low-grip conditions.
“It was tricky for everyone, I think,” the championship leader explained. “I just feel like I didn’t do a good enough job out there and didn’t have the most confidence. Definitely I’ve been a bit more tense this weekend than usual, but yeah, still a lot to play for tomorrow.”
Pushed on what his mindset is entering into Sunday’s race, Antonelli acknowledged that approaching it as normal has been a challenge.
“I mean, it hasn’t been easy this weekend, to be fair,” the 20-year-old said. “It hasn’t been easy, especially to keep my emotions flat, and definitely I’ve been a bit more tense than usual so also that played a big factor.
“But I’ll try to enjoy the evening with family and friends and then focus onto tomorrow.”
Should Antonelli clinch the crown, the driver from Italy will become the sport’s youngest-ever World Champion.
