Why Kimi Antonelli Struggles Despite Promising Start in F1?

• By Dr. AK Rana

Toto Wolff’s golden project, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, seems to be walking a tightrope, without a safety net.

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It’s been more than five races since he last scored a single point.

Yes, he did manage a podium, a while ago, but since then? A brutal streak of empty-handed Sundays.

The only consistency in his performance lately has been… well, the lack of it.

And then came Spa.

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The moment he exited in Q1 while driving a Mercedes, a team that expects at least Q3 every single time, it didn’t just raise eyebrows.

It raised alarms.

Toto Wolff, usually composed and reserved, looked visibly shaken. Because for him, Antonelli isn’t just another rookie.

He’s the project.

The Max Verstappen equivalent for Mercedes.

The chosen one.

But reality isn’t matching the dream—at least, not yet.

So, what’s going wrong?

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Too Much Pressure, Too Soon? Kimi Antonelli

There’s no denying the potential.

But potential doesn’t win races, performance does.

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Antonelli’s early podium raised expectations through the roof.

And with every pointless weekend that follows, the pressure mounts.

It’s not just about proving himself anymore,

it’s about disproving the rapidly spreading narrative that he’s overrated.

And let’s not pretend the paddock is forgiving.

When your rookie rivals, like Oliver Bearman shining in a Haas, Gabriel Bortoleto dragging a Kick Sauber to Q3, and Isack Hadjar never once dropping out in Q1—are grabbing headlines, comparisons are inevitable.

And brutal.

Being a rookie in Formula 1 is a double-edged sword, especially when you’re in a top-four car.

It can either accelerate your rise, or amplify your struggles.

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Qualifying Is the Key

Right now, the most pressing issue seems to be qualifying.

In a tightly packed midfield, Saturday’s performance often defines Sunday’s result.

A Q1 exit makes it nearly impossible to fight at the front, even with a fast car.

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Kimi needs to sort out his Saturdays before dreaming about Sundays.

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Toto Wolff’s Dilemma: Vision vs Reality

Toto’s always been a sharp talent-spotter.

He tried to bring Max Verstappen to Mercedes, but that door shut quickly.

George Russell, while talented, hasn’t yet become the championship-winner the team hoped for.

So, the spotlight shifted to Kimi Antonelli.

He was seen as the next big thing.

The answer.

The savior.

But,

…

Saviours aren’t born overnight.

They’re made—with patience, support, and time.

Yes, Toto wants titles.

But he also understands the long game.

The team knows they’re still facing technical gremlins, including engine reliability issues, that even a top driver can’t fix overnight.

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Overrated? Kimi Antonelli

A comment doing rounds on social media:

“Kimi Antonelli is an overrated rookie. The real gem is someone else.”

Harsh?

Maybe.

Premature?

Definitely.

We must remember, every great F1 driver has had their rough patches. Even Max.

Even Lewis.

The difference is how they bounce back.

…

Antonelli has the talent.

What he needs now is tunnel vision—not on the pressure, not on the noise, but on the racing.

Block out the headlines.

Focus on the track.

He’s not someone who gives up.

And the story of F1 is full of late bloomers who eventually lit the sport on fire.

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