Andrea Kimi Antonelli will start tomorrow's Mexico City Grand Prix from fourth on the grid, despite concluding qualifying in fifth position for Mercedes. The weekend offers the 20-year-old competitor from Bologna an opportunity to claim the first world championship title of his career, although he was not fully satisfied with his qualifying result. Antonelli gains fourth position because of a one-place grid penalty handed to Max Verstappen for a collision with Liam Lawson during free practice. Lawson also risks disqualification for separate reasons. At the front of the field, Lewis Hamilton took pole position, securing his maiden pole for Ferrari.
Qualifying tyre struggles
Interviewed by Sky Sport F1, Antonelli discussed the primary problems encountered during the fight for pole position. He acknowledged that he struggled with his tyres during Q3 and explained that his initial run was very difficult. Antonelli noted that falling temperatures made tyre management difficult, which left him unable to produce a strong lap. He also admitted committing numerous errors across the circuit, pointing out mistakes especially throughout the first sector as well as during the second sector. Antonelli expressed regret regarding fourth position, but maintained that he will attempt to make a good start tomorrow and see what develops from there.
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Focus on the opening corner
Focus now turns to tomorrow's race, which is scheduled for 21:00 Italian time. The circuit features an 800-metre distance from the finish line to the first corner, making it crucial to avoid collisions during the opening moments. Antonelli stressed that executing a good start and steering clear of trouble in Turn 1 will be very important. In addition, Mercedes saved an extra set of tyres that Antonelli plans to exploit fully off the start line as he aims to do his best in pursuit of his title opportunity.
