Andrea Kimi Antonelli has responded to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s claims that beginning his Formula 1 career with Mercedes has caused unnecessary pressure.
The Italian rookie has been under the spotlight for much of the European leg of the season, in which his form has tailed off after what was a bright start to his F1 career.
His Sprint Race pole in Miami and his maiden podium in Montreal have undoubtedly been the highlights, but there have also been some low moments.
Amid the struggles he has endured with the German marque’s often tricky W16 challenger, Antonelli has managed just one point across all the European races.
During the summer break, Red Bull advisor Marko appeared to place blame on Mercedes for creating the pressure environment which the 18-year-old is now in.
The Austrian hinted that Antonelli could have benefited from joining a junior team, such is the standard at Red Bull with its satellite squad Racing Bulls.
When asked if this hypothetical scenario would have been beneficial for Antonelli at the start of his career, he agreed that there is always a lot of stress with driving for a top team, but acknowledged the privileged position he is in.
“Of course, starting straight away in a top team is not always easy, because obviously, especially looking, racing for Mercedes is a massive privilege, but at the same time you need to deliver, you need to deliver the job,” he told media including Motorsport Week ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.
“So sometimes you can feel under a lot of pressure, but I’m really happy to have started in Mercedes.
“Obviously, I’ve had some rough times, but the team has always been very supportive.”
Antonelli: 2026 has been a year ‘to learn’ F1
Antonelli’s only real positive moment as the season has progressed was following team-mate George Russell in third place in Montreal, which punctuated his disappointing run.
He admitted that this has not been an ideal scenario for him or the team, but countered that his debut campaign has been a platform for the education of F1 he needs.
“I’m aware I haven’t done the best of the jobs, especially at some point during the season, but this year is mainly to learn,” he recognised.
“Of course, the goal is always to go on track and win, but at the same time, it’s important to get ready for next year.”
Antonelli agreed that perhaps being able to drive for a so-called ‘B team’ could have been beneficial, but is happy with the situation he is in.
“But definitely, if I would race in a junior team, there would be quite a bit less pressure, but as I said before, I’m really happy to have started in Mercedes because I can learn massively.”
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