Kimi Antonelli Reveals Why Mercedes Abandoned One-Stop Plan

Kimi Antonelli has revealed that safety concerns over tyre life led Mercedes to abandon its planned one-stop strategy during the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Antonelli started seventh after receiving a three-place grid penalty for a yellow-flag infringement in qualifying. Mercedes then committed to an aggressive alternative approach similar to the strategy that carried Lando Norris to victory at the Hungaroring 12 months earlier.

The strategy moved Antonelli into contention for second place. However, Mercedes called the Italian into the pits for a second stop on Lap 54 after considering whether the tyres could safely complete the full 70-lap race.

Baca JugaKimi Antonelli Ungkap Alasan Mercedes Batalkan Strategi Satu Pit Stop

Two laps later, a virtual safety car caused by Oscar Piastri’s problem cost Antonelli track position to Max Verstappen. He still managed to remain ahead of Lewis Hamilton and eventually finished third to secure the final podium position in Budapest.

“I think today we maximised the result,” Antonelli said. “Conditions were quite difficult. I was struggling a little bit with oversteer, balance and then understeer. Conditions were not easy, but I’m happy with the result.”

Antonelli was unsure whether he could have challenged Lando Norris for victory even if he had started from his original third-place qualifying position. He believed Norris still held the pace advantage, while following another car was difficult because of tyre overheating.

“On pure pace, I don’t think I would have been able to challenge him, especially with how difficult it was to follow and with a lot of tyre overheating,” Antonelli said. “I think it would have been very difficult.”

Antonelli nevertheless praised Mercedes despite the retreat from its original strategy. “We took a risk initially and then pulled back a little because we were concerned about safety. Despite that, they put me in a position to fight for the podium,” he added.