Andrea Kimi Antonelli has conceded that the upgraded Mercedes Formula 1 car is “very unpredictable” to drive, after a disappointing showing in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint.
The Italian endured a tricky evening’s work at the Marina Bay Circuit, culminating in a meagre seventh-place position Saturday afternoon’s race.
Antonelli continued to use the upgraded package, whereas teammate George Russell reverted to the old iteration of the W17, and found more performance with P2.
Despite second place last week in Malaysia, it was evident that the Silver Arrows did not have the more competitive overall car, a contrast to much of the season.
After qualifying, Antonelli admitted that there is still not a full understanding of the upgrades, and has been left feeling his expectations have been far from reached.
“Already in FP1, I was struggling; there is still a lot to understand about this package,” the title-leader told F1TV.
“Really, the car is very difficult. Very unpredictable, and very difficult to put a lap together. It’s a shame, because I was coming with high hopes, but so far it’s been very difficult.”
I think it’s going to be a difficult weekend. Unless we can pull something out tomorrow, but other than that, it’s going to be very tricky.
Predicting a “difficult weekend,” Antonelli has readjusted those expectations, having ultimately failed to match Max Verstappen’s pole position lap time by seven tenths of a second.
“I don’t really see where we can find seven tenths, but you never know,” he said. “Maybe tonight, Bono [Peter Bonnington, race engineer] and the engineers are going to find something in the car.
“And for sure, I’m going to try to improve the driving a little bit and then let’s see.
“We’ll see tomorrow where we end up.”
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