“Final yr I’d doubt loads myself, particularly throughout that troublesome interval in Europe,” he stated.
“This yr it is a totally different story and also you mature loads after one yr in F1 not solely as a driver but additionally as an individual.
“Final yr in the course of the troublesome interval, I bought to know myself higher. Contemplating how unhealthy it was within the second, I’m very grateful it occurred as a result of it made me develop loads and taught me loads about myself. This yr I have never been questioning or doubting myself.”
Antonelli completed final yr seventh within the championship, three locations and 169 factors behind Russell.
The Briton received two grands prix, whereas Antonelli’s greatest outcome was a single podium end in third place within the Canadian Grand Prix.
He outqualified Russell solely 5 occasions all season, and was 0.24 seconds slower on common.
This yr, Russell has suffered some unhealthy luck at numerous occasions – together with with a pit cease that went unsuitable and led to a penalty in Monaco final weekend.
However he acknowledged in Monaco that he was struggling to get the very best out of the automobile.
Antonelli is 5-4 forward within the qualifying head-to-head at a median benefit of 0.110secs.
He stated: “Loads has modified. The yr of expertise itself performed a large position – making your personal experiences, understanding what is sweet and never good for you in the course of the weekend and outdoors the weekend.
“The expertise, with the ability to come again into the weekend and having achieved it the yr earlier than performs a large distinction. You realize higher the observe evolution and so forth and you’ll be able to steadiness your energies in a greater method so you’re feeling higher within the automobile by way of power.
“You develop into extra conscious of your potential and higher the crew, it is all little issues that play a large position.”
