Mercedes rookie Antonelli struggles in Europe amid car issues

Mercedes' teenage rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli has slipped from early-season promise into a run of inconsistent results during the European leg of the 2025 Formula One championship, a slump his team insists stems more from an unpredictable car than from a lack of talent. Team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the pressure placed on the teenager but said Mercedes remains committed to him as a long-term investment after a handful of strong openings including a podium in Canada and a sprint pole in Miami.

Antonelli, promoted directly into Mercedes' race seat this year, started with several points finishes and a fourth place on his debut in Australia, but he has managed only sporadic scores since the season moved to Europe. He collected a single point at the Hungarian Grand Prix and has been outscored heavily by teammate George Russell, with team tallies showing Antonelli on 64 points to Russell's 172. He has also endured multiple retirements and qualifying setbacks that have left him visibly frustrated at times.

Wolff defended the decision to fast-track the young driver while admitting the team has put him under "maximum pressure" by promoting him into a front-running car. The...