© Jiri Krenek for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Kimi Antonelli has attended the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix Thursday Drivers’ Press Conference. Here is the full transcript!
Q: Kimi, can I bring you in on this as well while we’re talking half-term reports? What’s your assessment of how it’s gone for you and Mercedes so far?
Kimi ANTONELLI: It’s been challenging. I’ve had some highs and quite a few lows. I think the European season hasn’t gone very well— I think it’s gone pretty badly. A few mistakes on my side and then we had a couple of issues as well. I’m still trying to learn a lot and gather all the information because sometimes, especially when you have back-to-back races, it’s a bit difficult to put all the information that you get over a weekend together and try to put what you learn on track right after. So, it’s been a bit challenging. Also, on my side, I think qualifying has been a bit weak, but it’s more for me about trying to put it all together, especially when you get to the point where you have to find the last couple of tenths, I think I’ve not been that good on trying to do the right step. Overall, it’s still been quite positive because I’ve been learning a lot and we’ve got some good results. But now the second half of the season is important to do the step and find more consistency myself.
Q: We’ve had 12 races in 17 weeks. Has the relentlessness of Formula 1 taken some adjusting to for you?
KA: Yeah, for sure. I think the rhythm of this first part has been quite high. The intensity definitely has been quite high as well. So it also requires some adjustment, especially after the first triple-header. I had to adjust the way I was managing energy during those three weeks. So overall, there’s a lot to learn on that side as well—especially on how to manage energy the best way possible in order to have the most amount when I go back in the car. This means also taking time for myself to recharge and be focused, especially on the mental side. There’s a lot of learning to do on that side, but I have a much clearer vision and ideas going into the second half of the season.
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports F1) Kimi, I’ll start with you. Contract negotiations, announcements—it’s getting to the summer break, normally a good time to make announcements. How are they going? Toto seems to be saying publicly now that it’s likely to be you and George. Are you in a position to ask for two years? Or is it just a one-year? Do you have any say in that? Fill us in.
KA: That’s the one million-dollar question.
Q: Is that how much you’re getting paid? One million dollars?
Lewis HAMILTON: I can help you with the contract. I know how to work Toto.
KA: OK, ok. No, I think, you know, I’ve never been worried, to be honest. I know the situation. I know what the team wants, especially looking at the future. Also, Toto has been clear recently, so that’s obviously good to see. But the team is working well. The line-up is good. Me and George are working well together. We’re trying to help the team to find performance again. I think we’re doing a good job, and there’s a really good atmosphere in the team. It’s always nice to go back to the factory and see how much the team is pushing—not only for this year but also ahead of next year. This means there’s a good dynamic in the team. I’m sure the team knows what’s best, especially for next year, and I’m pretty confident that I’m in a good position.
Source: FIA.com
