Kimi Antonelli has stated Mercedes no longer has the fastest car in the F1 pecking order following back-to-back defeats.
Lando Norris and McLaren have prevailed at the last two rounds, with the reigning champion becoming only the second driver this year, after Antonelli, to win consecutive races.
Mercedes enjoyed a highly competitive opening half to the year to establish healthy leads in both championships.
But Antonelli has conceded that the Brackley-based squad has now slipped behind in the pecking order after McLaren unveiled a sizeable upgrade across the last two rounds.
“For sure, we’re clearly not the fastest car anymore on the grid,” Antonelli told media including RacingNews365.
“We’re probably second or third, at least in today’s race, and McLaren has taken a huge step, especially since Hungary, since the big upgrade package they brought.”
At Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix, Antonelli extended his title lead to 59 points following a run to second place.
As he seeks to retain his advantage at the head of the standings until the end of the year, Antonelli has placed trust in Mercedes to improve its form.
“But I’m confident in the team,” he said. “The team has been working super hard on this next package that is coming up, and they just want to make sure that it’s going to work out well once we put it on.
“So for sure, in this race, it’s going to be more difficult, it’s going to be challenging, but we’re ready to do our best and to maximise every opportunity.
“And then hopefully it’s going to be our turn to bring the package that’s going to give us a little bit of the upper hand again.”
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