Mercedes Implements Suspension Change for Hungarian GP to Reclaim Form
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has implemented a significant suspension modification for both Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell's vehicles in preparation for the Hungarian Grand Prix. This adjustment comes as a direct response to Antonelli's observed downturn in performance following an earlier suspension upgrade introduced at the Imola race. The team's intention is to revert to a previous suspension configuration, believing it will help Antonelli regain the crucial confidence necessary for optimal driving. This strategic decision underscores Mercedes' commitment to addressing technical challenges swiftly to enhance their competitive standing, particularly given their recent struggles to maintain pace with leading contenders like McLaren.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes rookie, initially showcased a promising start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, securing points in five of the first six Grand Prix events, including a pole position in the Miami sprint race. However, his performance has notably declined over the subsequent seven rounds, with only one additional point scored. Antonelli attributes this slump directly to the suspension change made prior to the Imola race, which he felt negatively impacted his ability to adapt and trust the car's handling. Despite achieving his first F1 podium in Montreal, he notes that the unique track characteristics of the Canadian circuit allowed him to overcome the suspension issues, unlike the more challenging European rounds.
In pursuit of a turnaround, Antonelli and his teammate George Russell will utilize the suspension setup that Mercedes employed earlier in the season, during which they were perceived as the closest rivals to championship leader McLaren. Antonelli expressed his anticipation for this change, stating, "That hopefully will bring the feeling back." He further elaborated on his difficulties with the newer suspension, explaining that his aggressive driving style did not harmonize with it, leading to a lack of predictability and confidence in the car's behavior. "When you're on that fine line it can really make a difference. If you have the confidence and you know it's going to stick, it can really make a difference," he added.
The decision to revert to the older suspension was solidified after Antonelli's particularly challenging weekend at Spa, where he failed to progress beyond Q1 in both the sprint and main race, and struggled to make significant inroads during the events. This experience prompted a candid self-assessment from the young Italian, who acknowledged that he "wasn't delivering" his best with the current setup. He admitted that his aggressive approach exacerbated the car's unpredictable nature and that he "didn't do a really good job" in adapting his driving style to compensate. This reflection, though difficult, has motivated Antonelli to refocus and intensify his efforts, hopeful that the reintroduction of the familiar suspension will restore his comfort and performance. As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, Antonelli is currently placed seventh in the championship, with Russell in fourth, while McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri lead the title fight.
The upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix represents a pivotal moment for Mercedes and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. By re-adopting a previously effective suspension setup, the team is banking on a return to the stability and predictability that allowed them to contend closely with McLaren earlier in the season. This tactical engineering adjustment, combined with Antonelli's renewed focus, is expected to be a crucial step in reversing their recent struggles and demonstrating their full potential on the track. The entire team is eager to observe the impact of this change and aims for a stronger performance in the remainder of the season.