Kimi Antonelli admits that he will “need to review” the incident between himself and team mate George Russell during the Sprint at the Canadian Grand Prix, with the Mercedes driver initially suggesting he was “pushed off”.
The Mercedes duo occupied the front row for the 23-lap Sprint on Saturday at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with Russell holding the lead from pole as Antonelli slotted into second.
Antonelli, who entered this weekend with a 20-point lead over Russell in the standings after taking a hat-trick of Grands Prix wins, kept close to his team mate in the early stages and made a move into Turn 1 at the start of Lap 6.As Antonelli pulled to the outside line into the left-hand bend, the two cars briefly touched on the exit with Antonelli taking to the grass through the following right-hand turn, reappearing briefly in front of Russell before losing the position.
Antonelli made a further attempt into Turn 8 but locked-up and bounced across the grass, losing a further position to Lando Norris’ McLaren as he eventually finished third, behind race winner Russell and the reigning World Champion.
“Was a tough battle to be fair. We were all there in terms of pace, was not easy,” said Antonelli immediately post-Sprint.”I tired to make my move and I need to review on that because I was quite well alongside and got pushed off. It is what it is.
“Then obviously I made a mistake into Turn 8 because I took a big bump and I locked up and then I kind of compromised my race but it was a good battle.”
Antonelli made an attempt to pass Norris on the final lap, also on the outside line into Turn 1 before taking to the run-off area and rejoining back in P3.
The 19-year-old had further time for reflection before the media pen interviews and stated his focus was already on Qualifying up the front for Sunday’s 70-lap race.
“Was a very hard-fought race but I think it was pretty fun to watch for everyone,” he said.
“I think obviously it was a bit frustrating in the moment, but now we reset and focus on Qualifying because it’s another big opportunity.”