From Motorsport · Alex Harrington · · 1m
Kimi Antonelli Targets Undercut Strategy in F1 Malaysia
Kimi Antonelli aims to exploit Sepang's abrasive track for aggressive undercut attack in Malaysia Grand Prix.
In brief
Kimi Antonelli aims to exploit Sepang's abrasive track for aggressive undercut attack in Malaysia Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli hopes Mercedes' undercut strategy can overcome qualifying disappointment at Sepang with hot, rough track conditions. Originally reported by Motorsport.
Kimi Antonelli starts third
Kimi Antonelli will start third on the Bahrain Grand Prix grid thanks to Isack Hadjar's five-place grid penalty.
Qualifying session challenges
Antonelli ended his Saturday half a second off Verstappen while George Russell finished eighth after Hadjar's penalty.
Antonelli's qualifying comments
Antonelli admitted he understeered off the track but expects a clean qualifying position of P2 or P3.
“It's much better than what I expected”
Track conditions impact
Sepang's rough, hot track surface causes tyres to go out of operating windows after two corners.
Undercut strategy focus
Antonelli plans to use undercut opportunities to maximize performance gains with fresh tyres.
Race strategy expectations
Antonelli expects two or three pit stops with hot conditions making race strategy critical for Mercedes.
What it means
Kimi Antonelli hopes Mercedes' undercut strategy can overcome qualifying disappointment at Sepang with hot, rough track conditions.
