Naomi Schiff believes Kimi Antonelli showed the mindset of a future Formula 1 champion during a frustrating British Grand Prix, despite seeing a potential race victory slip away through no fault of his own.
Key highlights
- Naomi Schiff believes Kimi Antonelli displayed the mentality needed to become a Formula 1 world champion.
- Antonelli was catching Charles Leclerc at up to 2.5 seconds per lap before a detached wheel shield compromised his steering.
- The Italian pleaded to stay in the race and fight for points after Mercedes instructed him to retire the car.
- Antonelli remains championship leader, although George Russell has cut the gap to 25 points after finishing second at Silverstone.
Naomi Schiff impressed by Antonelli's refusal to give up
The Mercedes driver looked like a genuine contender for the win as he rapidly closed the gap to Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Running a strategy with tyres that were 10 laps fresher than those of his rivals, Antonelli was lapping up to 2.5 seconds quicker than the eventual race winner before disaster struck.
His charge came to an abrupt end when a front-right wheel shield became dislodged and interfered with the steering mechanism. As Mercedes instructed Antonelli over team radio to retire the car, the Italian immediately pleaded to stay out and continue fighting for any points that were still available.
Schiff says Antonelli has the mentality of a title contender
Although Antonelli eventually finished 15th after receiving a track limits penalty, his determination and refusal to quit earned widespread praise throughout the Formula 1 paddock.
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Schiff said Antonelli's attitude reflected the mentality needed to fight for a world championship. "I think we saw the beginning of that in Canada when he was coming back on the radio, and really isn't going to let any little thing go, which is the attitude you need if you want to win this championship," Schiff said.
She highlighted Antonelli's determination to keep racing, regardless of how few points were on offer. "He was worried about one single point. He didn't care if it was just one point that he was going to get. He wanted to score it. And the Mercedes team did a fantastic job, the strategy team leaving him out there a lot longer than the others. He had a 10-lap offset to the others, and he was reeling them in."
Schiff also pointed to Antonelli's pace before the mechanical issue, noting just how quickly he was catching Leclerc. "He was 2.5 seconds quicker than Charles when he was closing that gap. And then that very unfortunate wheel shield."
Antonelli remains championship leader despite setback
Despite the disappointing outcome at Silverstone, Antonelli continues to lead the Formula 1 drivers' championship. However, George Russell reduced the deficit to 25 points after securing second place at his home race, tightening the battle between the Mercedes team-mates heading into the next round.
