Antonelli Spills Mercedes W16 Secrets to Marko

Kimi Antonelli has opened up about his struggles behind the wheel of the Mercedes W16, admitting to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko that he’s lost faith in the car’s handling.

The young Italian, who stepped into Mercedes for the 2025 season after a rapid rise through the junior ranks, shared his frustrations during a candid chat at the Hungarian Grand Prix paddock. Sources close to the team say Antonelli described the W16 as unpredictable, especially in high-speed corners, which has dented his performance in recent races.

Marko, known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense approach, revealed the conversation in a post-race interview, noting Antonelli’s honesty as a sign of maturity despite his rookie status. “He came to me and said straight out, ‘I have no confidence in this car right now,'” Marko recounted. “It’s tough for any driver, let alone one so new to F1.”

Antonelli’s form has dipped since a promising start to the year, with just one podium in Montreal amid a string of retirements and low finishes. Mercedes trackside chief Andrew Shovlin has pointed to recent car tweaks as a possible culprit, explaining that the W16’s setup has become “tricky” to master, even for veteran teammate George Russell.

The team rolled out suspension updates for Hungary, aiming to steady the ship and rebuild Antonelli’s trust. Russell, who’s been more consistent, finished fifth at Spa but called it underwhelming given the car’s potential in cooler weather.

Lewis Hamilton, now at Ferrari after leaving Mercedes, defended his successor publicly, praising Antonelli’s raw talent despite the hurdles. “He’s fantastic – these early bumps are part of the journey,” Hamilton said.

As Mercedes slips in the standings, trailing Red Bull and McLaren, the focus sharpens on whether these changes can spark a turnaround for Antonelli before the summer break. With the 2026 regulations looming, the pressure is on to get it right.