Andrea Kimi Antonelli was left to rue a missed opportunity in qualifying for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix after he was eliminated in the opening session.
With the team playing down its chances of success under the lights in Las Vegas, Mercedes became a surprise contender during a rain-soaked qualifying hour.
Antonelli’s opening laps showed promise, featuring towards the top of the timesheets as the track began to offer more grip once the deluge of rain had stopped.
But in a stark reversal of fortunes, the Italian plummeted down the order, ending up 17th at the chequered flag, while team-mate George Russell qualified fourth.
Antonelli, who achieved his second career podium last time out in Brazil, was perplexed by his sudden drop off in pace, ruing the loss of a possible top-five start.
“I mean, it was tricky for everyone,” he said to media, including Motorsport Week. “Obviously, it was very slippery and just, yeah, I don’t know.
“The last lap was going to be good enough for top five.
“I took some margin in the last braking [zone] to avoid any bad surprises and still ended up locking up and losing the lap and got knocked out.
“I mean, two laps before I was in P5, I think, and then obviously to end up P17 is very frustrating.”
Antonelli focused on salvaging points in Las Vegas
Commenting on the conditions that led to other drivers locking up and struggling for traction, Antonelli confirmed his focus has already turned to Saturday night’s race.
“I mean, it was very slippery”, he confirmed. “It was very tricky to get the lap right, but yeah, it was tricky for everyone.
“Now I need to focus on tomorrow because it’s going to be important to get points for the team.
“When you get your rhythm, it’s good, but of course I wasn’t able to enjoy the full experience because obviously I got knocked out super early.
“So obviously it’s very frustrating, but we look forward to tomorrow.”
Having made a breakthrough with the W16 in Brazil a fortnight ago, Antonelli shot down suggestions that his confidence has been knocked by his Q1 exit in Sin City.
“No, I mean, we were strong all weekend, to be fair, and we’ve been very fast every session, even this morning on the Inter[mediate].
“So obviously it doesn’t hurt my confidence. We’re still in the good momentum and just need to do a good race tomorrow and then focus on the next one.
“Yeah, I mean, for sure points [is the target]. I think we’ve got the pace, so hopefully tomorrow we can do a good start and gain places.”
READ MORE – George Russell reveals issue that dented Las Vegas F1 pole bid
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