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Antonelli Stuns Monaco FP3 with Surprise Pace
7 Jun
Summary
- Kimi Antonelli surprisingly led the Monaco Grand Prix FP3 session.
- Toto Wolff expressed positive surprise at Antonelli's quick lap.
- Russell faced challenges after a disappointing Canadian Grand Prix.
Mercedes Formula 1 CEO Toto Wolff expressed considerable surprise at rookie Kimi Antonelli's strong performance during the third practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix. Antonelli posted the fastest lap, outperforming expectations and leading the session ahead of rivals.
Antonelli's pace in FP3, which saw him finish significantly ahead of Charles Leclerc, left Wolff "very positively surprised." He acknowledged that while Leclerc's previous lap was competitive, Antonelli's speed provided a strong, albeit challenging, platform heading into qualifying.
Wolff also commented on teammate George Russell's performance. Russell finished the session in fourth place, notably slower than Antonelli. Wolff indicated that Russell, who had a recent difficult race in Canada, needed to find more confidence and comfort in the car to match Antonelli'sFP3 pace.
The team is also analyzing a mechanical failure that affected Russell during the Canadian Grand Prix. While the issue has been identified, Wolff admitted the exact cause remains unclear, but assured that containment measures and analysis are ongoing to prevent recurrence.
