Friesacher on Kimi Antonelli & Mercedes: “They’ve still got a few tricks up their sleeve”

The main topic on ‘Sport und Talk aus dem Hangar-7’ on ServusTV was the dazzling Formula 1 extravaganza at the new ‘Madring’. The event at the IFEMA exhibition centre on the outskirts of the Spanish capital, Madrid – which saw Kimi Antonelli take the win – was analysed in Hangar-7 by Hans Joachim Stuck (75) and Patrick Friesacher (45).

Patrick Friesacher

Foto: Red Bull Content Pool

Commenting on the virtual safety car mishap involving McLaren ace Lando Norris, former driver Friesacher (11 GPs) noted: “The problem for him was that he’d just passed the pit entry by one and a half seconds, so he had to do another lap. Then the virtual safety car period ended and he came in. Naturally, he lost 12 or 13 seconds because of that. Looking back, it’s always the same – there’s plenty to discuss. They also botched the pit stop and lost a few more seconds.” Norris’s stop took seven seconds instead of the usual two. He’d started from pole but lost his chance of victory. Kimi Antonelli, on the other hand, had perfect timing; he slowed down and pitted under the VSC.

Friesacher: Antonelli can take it easy

The Italian Mercedes high-flyer Kimi Antonelli can now become the youngest world champion of all time. Friesacher on Antonelli: “With an 81-point lead, you’ve got a strong package; he can take it in his stride.” Friesacher points out: “He has the full backing of the team. Mercedes has brought few updates so far; they’re sure to have something up their sleeve. But in Formula 1, the tide can turn quickly all the same. Development never stops – it never stands still! I’m very impressed that he’s also so calm.”

Friesacher got behind the wheel himself ahead of the race weekend – albeit in a completely different way to usual. Ahead of the ‘Madring’ weekend, the Carinthian drove an old Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car through the dark tunnels of the Madrid underground as part of a Red Bull show run. Friesacher reveals about the event: “It was a completely new experience. They had to have special rims made for the car. It felt totally unfamiliar at first. You don’t know how the car will handle. We tried it out with a go-kart first. The first session was about two kilometres long – and then you realise you’re down there in the tunnel all on your own. It was certainly fast and a bit unnerving at times, but a brilliant experience.”

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Niki Lauda’s lightning-fast comeback at Monza in 1976 (exactly 50 years ago) was also a topic of discussion in Hangar-7. Friesacher said: “Niki was a legend! Last year I was allowed to drive his 1976 Ferrari. The emotions you feel when you’re in it are absolutely mind-blowing.” His parting remark to Hans-Joachim Stuck: “I have to say, you lot used to be a right bunch of wild dogs!”