Mercedes Reinstates Older Suspension for Antonelli as Team Backs Rookie Through Slump
Support from Lewis Hamilton alongside a switch to older-spec suspension aims to rebuild the 18-year-old’s confidence following a series of point-less races
Overview
- Mercedes has reverted Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s W16 to an older suspension spec for the Hungarian Grand Prix after three races without points
- Lewis Hamilton has offered Antonelli direct mentorship and reassurance in the paddock to help him navigate his early-career challenges
- George Russell said the W16’s performance downturn, not solely driver error, narrowed lap-time gaps and undercut both teammates’ results
- Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin indicated that no bespoke upgrades are planned beyond providing Antonelli with a consistent car setup
- Former F1 driver Martin Brundle urged Mercedes to protect the rookie’s mental resilience and prevent further confidence erosion