What people in the paddock are now saying about Kimi Antonelli’s talent level after Dutch Grand Prix implosion

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Kimi Antonelli’s barren run of form continued at the Dutch Grand Prix as a collision with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari ruined his race.

The Mercedes driver has scored one point in his last five races and is starting to come under a little bit of pressure to perform.

Antonelli’s situation isn’t urgent, given that Toto Wolff has already insisted that he would be with the team for the 2026 F1 regulations.

But, he won’t be happy with being level on points with the Williams of Alex Albon in the drivers’ championship.

Despite his crash in Zandvoort, Antonelli did exactly what Mercedes ‘want’ by being aggressive with his rivals on track.

After the race, Antonelli was seen apologising to Leclerc for ruining his chance of a good result. It was a clumsy incident.

READ MORE: Jacques Villeneuve tells Kimi Antonelli to make drastic behind-the-scenes Mercedes change after Dutch Grand Prix

People in the paddock think Kimi Antonelli might not have the talent Mercedes hoped

Antonelli has ‘not met the expectations’ set for his rookie season, according to Karun Chandhok, who expected more from him.

His maiden podium at the Canadian Grand Prix now feels like it was a very long time ago. In 15 Grands Prix, he has failed to finish ahead of teammate George Russell once.

Mercedes ‘offered’ Antonelli to Sauber for 2025, but opted against loaning a driver. They wanted their own and obtained Gabriel Bortoleto instead.

According to BBC Sport, people in the paddock are starting to question his talents and how long he might be around Mercedes for.

He’s going to need a much better year in 2026 and to learn from his rookie errors if he wants to be the Silver Arrows’ lead driver for the future.

READ MORE: Mercedes see one clear reason why Kimi Antonelli deserves a longer new contract than George Russell

Why Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 form is so surprising

One of the most confusing aspects of Antonelli’s first campaign has been that he looks like he has regressed in recent months.

He finished in the top six at five of his first six races, but has returned just once in nine attempts since then.

Team boss Wolff gave a mysterious answer about Antonelli’s future, but doubt may be starting to build about his potential.

It would be perfect timing for him to respond with a strong result at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, and remind everyone of just how special he can be on home soil.

Mercedes’ ‘frantic desire’ for Antonelli is something which may need to be parked for 2027, if he fails to produce the level of performance required from a top driver.