F1 Today | BIG crash for Antonelli; Work for Mercedes and Hamilton
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli made his FP1 debut today at Monza, but it only lasted 10 minutes as he found the wall at Parabolica. Despite this, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has praised the young Italian. Also, Lando Norris plays down McLaren's chances this weekend in Italy, whilst work is needed for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton ahead of qualifying tomorrow afternoon.
Praise for Antonelli despite 52G crash
Kimi Antonelli's FP1 debut ended after 10 minutes. Driving at his home Grand Prix, the Italian youngster lost his car and crashed George Russell's W15 into the barrier. Toto Wolff was immediately on the team radio to the 18-year-old saying "Kimi all good, all good Kimi!"
Despite his crash, Antonelli was still praised by his team boss Wolff, who said "He's a rookie, he's very young. We are prepared to invest into his future. These moments, they will happen and they will continue to happen next year. But there will also be a lot of highlights. What we've seen today was we rather have a problem in slowing him down than making him faster. Because what we've seen from one and a half laps is just astonishing."
Wolff also admitted that his incident today will have no impact on the decision of George Russell's teammate for 2025. You can read Wolff's quote in full here!
Norris plays down McLaren's Monza chances
Lando Norris won the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend by over 20 seconds. However after Friday in Monza, the two-time race winner has played down his chances of winning this weekend. Ferrari have brought a big upgrade package to their home race, whilst Andrea Stella believes Red Bull can never be counted out of challenging for the race win.
Norris admitted F1's top four teams could all be in with a chance of pole and the win at Monza. "It looks like eight cars have a chance this time. Eight cars that all look fast and should make it exciting on Saturday."
Work needed for Hamilton and Mercedes?
Despite topping FP2 on Friday, Hamilton had admitted that work may still be needed if Mercedes want to be in the fight for pole on Saturday. The seven-time world champion revealed the bigger focus for his team is their long-run pace rather than the short, qualifying runs.
His teammate George Russell only ran in FP2, after Antonelli was given his car for the first free practice session. The Brit, whilst not having ran in both sessions, believes he is also in a good place ahead of Saturday. "We've got a lot of good data to go through, even though it wasn't the most productive Friday I've ever had on my side."
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18 September 2024
