Mercedes praised for what they’re now doing behind the scenes to help Kimi Antonelli after Singapore

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Kimi Antonelli is enjoying a resurgence in form at Mercedes after another solid outing at the Singapore Grand Prix.

After an impressive start to his F1 career, Antonelli hit a huge stumbling block come the European leg of the season. Several mechanical failures and rookie errors left him struggling to score points.

Antonelli’s maiden F1 podium in Canada was his only points finish for seven races between Imola and Spa. He broke the streak with P10 at Budapest, before a penalty in Zandvoort for taking out Charles Leclerc put him outside the points again.

Since then, the Italian has returned to consistent points finishes, grabbing P4 in Baku. He looked to carry that into the Singapore Grand Prix, but could not match teammate George Russell as he took pole position and a dominant win.

Anthony Davidson felt Antonelli was ‘rattled’ in qualifying as he looked like he was overdriving the car. But the 19-year-old put that behind him to qualify fourth and finish fifth.

Sam Bird praises Mercedes bosses for ‘putting their arm around’ Kimi Antonelli

It was an assured performance from the Italian as he fended off a late charge from Lewis Hamilton to protect P5. Antonelli has shown signs of improvement in recent races, with the pressure of F1 seemingly getting to the young rookie before the summer break.

Toto Wolff has been more ‘brutal’ with Antonelli in 2025, with the Austrian viewing him as a real prospect for the future. While he looked like he was struggling to cope during the European leg, it seems like he may have turned a corner.

Sam Bird praised Mercedes’ bosses in Singapore for how they have helped the teenager behind the scenes. Speaking via Chequered Flag, he has been impressed by how they have ‘put their arms around him’ and given him assurances.

“Yeah, I think that, over the last couple of race weekends, he’s found a little bit of form,” said Bird.

“I like the way that Mercedes, the bosses there, have worked with him, have put their arms around him and made him feel like he’s there for the long haul, he’s a work in progress.

“I thought his lap one between turns one and four weren’t his strongest. He let both Lando Norris and one of the Ferraris, I think it was Charles Leclerc, through at the time and he looked like he was a little bit out of sorts, but recovered and did a decent race.”

READ MORE: Know all about 2025 Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli including stats

Kimi Antonelli’s security for 2026 may have given him newfound confidence at Mercedes

The Italian is currently putting in the performances expected from a Mercedes driver, with the Silver Arrows now pulling away from Ferrari in the constructors’ championship. It is also just what he needs to be doing as he awaits a new contract.

Antonelli has ‘effectively’ signed a new deal at Mercedes, having been out of contract at the end of the season. The Italian and Russell are expected to be retained amid rumours that the team were targeting Max Verstappen.

Reports suggested that the 19-year-old could have been loaned out to Williams or Alpine, but Wolff rubbished those claims as ‘nonsense’, reiterating his commitment to Antonelli. This security might be just what he needed as he appears more confident in the car.

Lewis Hamilton has been advising Antonelli during drivers’ parades, telling him not to worry about what is being said about him and to focus on himself. Having the seven-time champion in his ear could be vital for his development.