Kimi Antonelli Shelves Frustration After Spin at Sao Paulo for Mercedes' Triumph

Kimi Antonelli found himself grappling with frustration following a spin that dashed his hopes of winning the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Nevertheless, he managed to put aside his disappointment to celebrate Mercedes clinching the Constructors’ Championship. Just a week after securing the Drivers’ title in Mexico, Antonelli contributed to the team's success at Interlagos, despite his race ending in a less-than-ideal fifth place.

Antonelli's Disappointment After Sao Paulo Spin

Starting from the front row alongside Lando Norris, Antonelli quickly seized the lead with a strong start, overtaking the McLaren driver on the way to Turn 1. With Liam Lawson slotting in between him and Norris, Antonelli built a comfortable eight-second lead on the damp track.

However, as the track began to dry, Antonelli’s advantage dwindled. He switched from intermediate to slick tires a lap later than Norris during Lap 17, which allowed his rival to close the gap. Just three laps later, Antonelli’s race took a turn for the worse. Despite voicing concerns about the car pulling to one side, he lost control under braking at the first turn, handing the lead back to Norris.

With his tires suffering damage, Antonelli slipped further down the order, losing positions to both Red Bull drivers. As the rain returned, handling issues prompted the team to instruct him to let his teammate George Russell pass.

"I'm very disappointed with the race," admitted Antonelli. "I'm very angry, to be honest, but I need to focus on the positive — the team clinched the title. It's a proud moment being part of a group that does so much for me."

Reflecting on the Race

Reflecting on the race, Antonelli expressed his frustration over the lost opportunity. "We were on track for the win, and then the spin happened," he lamented. "I need to understand why I lost the rear so suddenly. Something felt off with the car when I switched to slicks."

Antonelli elaborated on the car's issues, noting that the problem was particularly noticeable in left-hand turns at high speed. "We need to investigate the car's geometry, especially at the rear," he explained to Sky Sports F1. "The rear felt unstable, even at the finish line’s left kink. It was bizarre. After the spin, the tires were flat-spotted, and only with a new set did we regain our pace. It was a shame."

Despite the setbacks, Antonelli’s focus remained on the team’s success, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the weekend.