Wolff jokes Antonelli needs a cushion under him to see track limits better

Kimi Antonelli, the Italian Mercedes driver who leads the Formula 1 drivers' standings, exceeded track limits four times during the Singapore Grand Prix. After the race, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff joked that the driver should have a cushion placed under him so he could finally see the white lines marking the edge of the track.

Violations and penalty

In theory, a fourth track-limits violation would have brought a five-second penalty, but Antonelli avoided it. One of the incidents was linked to a loss of control caused by brake problems. Even with a penalty, it would most likely not have cost him a position: he finished third, 16 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris.

Wolff's assessment

Asked whether Antonelli's development had entered a new phase, given that Mercedes has recently been less dominant than at the start of the season, Wolff said the driver keeps progressing. Early in the season the team had a dominant car for a long period, and Antonelli got the maximum out of it. Later, at Kuala Lumpur, the team arrived with a car that was harder to drive and slower. In Wolff's view, the work of both drivers over the weekend meant the car was no longer poor in the race, although with the upgrades it should have been quicker.

Wolff admitted the violations concern the team, noting that three had already occurred by mid-race. Still, he said it also shows how hard the driver is pushing to run right at the limit.

Overall, the team principal described Antonelli's performance as mature and convincing. According to Wolff, the driver told the team he simply had to stay calm and make sure he finished. Wolff considers it a positive that he coped with a difficult car while developing it and learning.