SEPANG, Oct 4 — Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Kimi Antonelli admitted second place was the maximum the team could achieve in the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here today.

The current drivers’ standings leader said the Bahrain GP in Malaysia 2026 champion Max Verstappen proved too quick as the Red Bull Racing driver claimed his maiden title of the season after a rain-hit and action-packed race in the iconic Malaysian circuit.

Antonelli said the Silver Arrows struggled to match Red Bull Racing’s pace throughout the weekend, while the rough track surface and high temperatures here also made it difficult for the team to assess its new package.