Antonelli: I don't think short races will work.

      At the FIA press conference on Thursday, Kimi Antonelli commented on Stefano Domenicali's recent proposal to potentially shorten race distances to make Formula 1 better suited to the demands of the younger audience. The Mercedes driver suggested that such an approach is unlikely to work.

      Kimi Antonelli: "The question is actually a difficult one, but personally I like the sprint format, because a lot happens on track at those weekends. After a single practice you have to be ready straight away for qualifying and the sprint.

      But when it comes to shortening race distances, I don't think that would work. Right now we run long races, and many of them are run on a one-stop strategy. If you shorten the distance, you'd have to come up with a lot of new rules regarding pit stops and similar things. You know, I don't think it would make any difference.

      Besides, over a long distance you have more time to build your race. I don't know, I can't give a definitive answer, just my thoughts. But I like sprint weekends, and it wouldn't be a bad thing if there were more of them."

      The Italian Grand Prix is a home race for Kimi. The Mercedes driver explained the approach he plans to take this weekend to achieve success: "I'll focus on myself and on what I need to do. It's very easy to get lost if you only think about the final result.

      Things aren't all going well for me yet, but I'm trying to concentrate on what I should be doing, on the driving, on helping the team find the optimal balance. That's the main thing, along with focusing on my own job and getting everything right.

      After Imola I'm much better prepared for the second home round because I have a much better idea of what to expect. Now I understand much better how I should act during a race weekend to give 100% every time I get behind the wheel."