Helmut Marko defended Kimi Antonelli.

      After a promising start to the season, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli had an unsuccessful European stint — racing behind the wheel of a temperamental car proved difficult, plus there was the added pressure of performing for a top team — and Kimi found himself under fire from critics.

      Red Bull sporting advisor Helmut Marko rarely defends drivers from other teams, but in Antonelli's case he made an exception.

      Helmut Marko: "The difference is that our youngsters first race for the second team, Racing Bulls, where they have the opportunity to gain experience and there isn't serious pressure. Besides, we don't create unnecessary hype around a young driver before he gets behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.

      I usually don't comment on the situation at other teams, but the obvious fact is that Mercedes doesn't have a junior team.

      There is no doubt that Antonelli is a fast driver, but he is still very young. We spoke with him briefly at the hotel in Spa, and he said that he doesn't feel confident in the car, that as soon as he starts to attack he loses control. So it's more of a mental issue, but the car is apparently very temperamental even within a narrow working range, and when it does start to work it requires a special approach. Kimi just needs time to recover, like we gave Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. But, fortunately for us, Mercedes doesn't have such a luxury as a second team."