Kimi Antonelli/Mercedes crash: an attempt at an explanation and scathing criticism

At first, there was just the radio message from Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli: “Ah, blimey, I’ve hit the wall.”

Then the TV cameras caught sight of the damaged Mercedes. The front-left tyre had come off the rim; the track rod had clearly taken a knock too, as the wheel was standing at an angle.

Championship leader Antonelli was instructed by his race engineer, Pete Bonington, to pull the car over to the side; the Bolognese driver nevertheless tried to limp the Mercedes back to the pits (something the stewards really don’t like to see), but then gave up – out of the race in the first qualifying segment, oh dear!

The replay showed that in Turn 1, Kimi was too aggressive; he took the left-hander a touch too tight and promptly clapped the inside left-hand side against the concrete – the impact was quite severe.

Kimi on the radio: “I’m so sorry, lads.” That’ll probably mean 16th on the grid for the Italian, depending on any penalty grid positions his rivals might incur.

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After returning to the paddock at the Baku City Circuit, the eight-time Grand Prix winner was really fed up: “The track was building up more and more grip. As I turned in, I immediately realised that the front axle was gripping much more than on the previous lap, and before I knew it I’d hit the wall. A very unnecessary mistake on my part.”

“To be honest, I’m very annoyed with myself. I hope I can make up as many places as possible in the race.”

Make up places? Let’s not forget: at his home race in Monza, Antonelli drove to victory – starting from 19th on the grid.

Kimi again: “I’m going into the Grand Prix knowing that we have a fast car – just look at what George Russell has shown with it.”