Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli says he still has a lot to prove

“Last year I would doubt a lot myself, especially during that difficult period in Europe,” he said.

“This year it’s a different story and you mature a lot after one year in F1 not only as a driver but also as a person.

“Last year during the difficult period, I got to know myself better. Considering how bad it was in the moment, I am very grateful it happened because it made me grow a lot and taught me a lot about myself. This year I haven’t been questioning or doubting myself.”

Antonelli finished last year seventh in the championship, three places and 169 points behind Russell.

The Briton won two grands prix, while Antonelli’s best result was a single podium finish in third place in the Canadian Grand Prix.

He outqualified Russell only five times all season, and was 0.24 seconds slower on average.

This year, Russell has suffered some bad luck at various times – including with a pit stop that went wrong and led to a penalty in Monaco last weekend.

But he acknowledged in Monaco that he was struggling to get the best out of the car.

Antonelli is 5-4 ahead in the qualifying head-to-head at an average advantage of 0.110secs.

He said: “A lot has changed. The year of experience itself played a massive role – making your own experiences, understanding what is good and not good for you during the weekend and outside the weekend.

“The experience, being able to come back into the weekend and having done it the year before plays a massive difference. You know better the track evolution and so on and you are able to balance your energies in a better way so you feel better in the car in terms of energy.

“You become more aware of your potential and you know better the team, it’s all little things that play a massive role.”