Antonelli says grid penalty takes pressure off and he can enjoy home race
MONZA: Formula One championship leader Kimi Antonelli looked forward to his home Italian Grand Prix on Thursday and said grid penalties had taken the pressure off while he also had less to prove than last year.
Kimi Antonelli, the reigning Formula One championship leader, expressed his excitement for the Italian Grand Prix at his home circuit, Monza. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver will start from the back of the grid, marking the first time in 73 years an Italian leads the standings at this prestigious event. Antonelli acknowledged that the grid penalties he received for exceeding his power unit allocation have taken some pressure off, allowing him to approach the race more relaxed and focused on enjoying the weekend.
He emphasized that this is a unique opportunity to experiment with different work methods during free practice sessions. Leading teammate George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by 59 points, Antonelli remains determined to secure a top finish, with a potential top-five placement being within reach. Despite acknowledging the strong competition from McLaren and Ferrari, especially with their new engine, Antonelli remains confident, stating that Monza could be a favorable track for Mercedes.
He expressed mental freedom and excitement for the upcoming race, emphasizing that he has already proven his capabilities as a rookie, having won six races in his second season.
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