The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a challenging journey for young Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, especially since the championship moved to its European leg. However, the Hungarian Grand Prix brought a notable turning point: Mercedes decided to revert to an earlier suspension specification, and Antonelli immediately felt the difference.

A Season of Struggles Turns a Corner

Antonelli’s struggles on European circuits have been well-documented, with the rookie accumulating just six points since the series returned to the continent. But in Hungary, despite a Q2 exit and an 11th place qualifying result, Antonelli reported that the car felt vastly improved and easier to handle. In his own words: “It’s a different story. I definitely had more confidence with the old suspension. Lap 1 in Q1 felt good, and while Q2 didn’t work out as planned, the car was far more predictable.”

Why the Suspension Change Matters

The switch back to the older suspension wasn’t a hasty decision. After a team meeting, Mercedes engineers and drivers—including George Russell—agreed that the car had felt stronger at the beginning of the season with the previous suspension setup. This collaborative approach underlines the importance of driver feedback in F1’s relentless development race.

• Driver Confidence: Antonelli’s immediate boost in confidence translated to better initial pace and more consistency throughout the session.
• Team Synergy: Both Antonelli and Russell felt the benefits, suggesting a broader issue with the newer parts.
• Missed Opportunity: "It’s a bit of a shame we didn’t switch back sooner," Antonelli admitted, reflecting on what could have been improved results.

Changing Conditions Add Complexity

The Hungarian GP weekend was marked by fluctuating track conditions, with lower temperatures and increased grip compared to earlier sessions. These changes amplified the importance of a predictable, confidence-inspiring car—precisely what Antonelli felt with the older suspension.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Mercedes

As the season progresses, Mercedes faces critical decisions on development direction. Antonelli’s renewed confidence could signal a shift towards prioritizing driver comfort and proven solutions over aggressive innovation. The lessons learned in Hungary might just be the catalyst Mercedes needs to regain consistent form in the tightly contested midfield battle.

Want More F1 Insights?

Stay tuned as the championship heads into its next phase, and see how Antonelli and Mercedes build on this pivotal setup change.