# 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.
- Title: Kimi Antonelli Targets Undercut Strategy in F1 Malaysia
- Summary: Kimi Antonelli aims to exploit Sepang's abrasive track for aggressive undercut attack in Malaysia Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli hopes Mercedes' undercut…
- Keywords: breaking, kimi antonelli, mercedes, malaysia grand prix, undercut strategy, sepang, bahrain grand prix, sports, cars, Kimi, Antonelli, Targets
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/kimi-antonelli-eyes-aggressive-undercut-attack-in-f1-malaysia/10861499
- Author: Alex Harrington
- Published: 2026-10-03T11:03:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, kimi antonelli, mercedes, f1, malaysia grand prix, undercut strategy, sepang, bahrain grand prix, sports, cars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Kimi Antonelli hopes Mercedes' undercut strategy can overcome qualifying disappointment at Sepang with hot, rough track conditions.