British GP problems 'tough to swallow' for Antonelli

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Kimi Antonelli admits failing to score any points in the British Grand Prix was "tough to swallow", as the Mercedes driver was hit by late car problems when on course to challenge for victory. The Italian teenager looked likely to fight for the win against eventual winner Charles Leclerc in Sunday's 52-lap race at Silverstone. Antonelli had closed to within just a few seconds of the Ferrari driver on fresher tyres, having initially dropped from pole to third at the start before re-passing Lewis Hamilton in the opening stint. But on Lap 41, Antonelli suffered a problem when the front-left wheel shield became detached, making turning difficult and requiring two additional pit stops to try and rectify the problem. Dropping to P10, Antonelli was then handed a five-second penalty for track limits having gone off line several times due to the problem. With the race finishing under a late Safety Car after Max Verstappen spun into the gravel on Lap 48, it meant the field closed-up and the Mercedes driver was dropped to P16 in the final classification. "I couldn't believe because it was going from bad to worse," Antonelli said afterwards. "When I went out after the last stop, the car was kind of driveable. Still, I was missing so much downforce but I think P10 was very achievable despite the penalty. "I was pulling away and I think I would have had the gap that was required but then the Safety Car came and I knew it was over." Antonelli had taken victory in Saturday's Sprint, but leaves Silverstone with just a 25-point margin over team mate George Russell – it having been 40 ahead of the weekend. The non-score was the second of Antonelli's season, as a P2 finish in Barcelona was also lost in the final laps due to a car problem. "We had an incredible run with five races, five wins in a row and everything was probably going too much on my way," said Antonelli, when asked about his luck. "We had two DNFs in three races and obviously it's tough to swallow, because Barcelona I was running P2, here I was going for the win. "I think we had a real shot and I was within striking distance. It's a shame I didn't even have the chance to try but it is what it is. It went this way and the most important is that we bounce back stronger." F1FacebookXInstagramYouTube© 2003-2026 Formula One World Championship Limited