Andrea Kimi Antonelli reflects on first F1 podium: ‘better than I imagined’
Andrea Kimi Antonelli Claims Maiden F1 Podium at Canadian Grand Prix
Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal – At just 18 years old, Andrea Kimi Antonelli made headlines on Sunday with a stunning drive to claim his maiden Formula 1 podium finish. The young Mercedes driver took third place at the Canadian Grand Prix, finishing behind teammate and race winner George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Reflecting on his achievement, Antonelli called the experience "better than I imagined" and described the moment as unforgettable.
Historic Achievement in Formula 1
The result made Antonelli the third-youngest podium finisher in Formula 1 history, trailing only Verstappen and Montreal native Lance Stroll. Starting from fourth on the grid, the Italian teenager showed composure and grit, particularly during the race's closing stages, which he admitted were nerve-wracking.
"I was just hoping for the race to finish, to be honest," Antonelli told reporters post-race. "I was even looking at the screen counting the laps because it was very stressful. In the last stint, I pushed a bit too hard behind Max and eventually degraded the front left [tire]. The last few laps were a struggle, especially seeing [Oscar Piastri] getting closer and closer in the DRS range. At one point, he even tried to attempt the overtake in Turn 1. It took a lot of effort."
The Magic of the Podium Moment
Despite the late-race tension, Antonelli described stepping onto the podium as nothing short of magical.
"Well, it was much better than what I imagined," said Antonelli, his face lighting up as he recounted the moment. "Hearing the crowd while walking onto the podium, I had massive goosebumps. That is definitely a moment I will remember for a very long time. It gives you a boost—results like this ... you can't buy this feeling. It's an amazing feeling, and you just want more."
Antonelli added that his sights are now set on maintaining his strong momentum. "I think the goal now is to try to keep the same momentum and achieve more podiums—and hopefully maybe the first win. You never know in the future."
Mercedes Resurgence and Antonelli’s Progress
For Mercedes, Antonelli's podium finish marked their first double podium since last year's Las Vegas Grand Prix. With Russell leading the field and Antonelli taking third, the result underscored the team's resurgence in form. Antonelli credited much of his rookie-year progress to Russell's mentorship and the camaraderie within the team.
"I'm still aware there's a lot of work to do, especially when it comes to qualifying—trying to be quicker at the beginning of the session," Antonelli explained. "But we're on a good path. The team is doing a great job. Also, with George, he's helping me to push myself even further. Racing in F1 with the 19 other best drivers on the grid gives you a lot of motivation. Having the chance to race at your best and show what you're capable of is a great boost."
Max Verstappen’s Influence and Praise
The rookie also spoke about how Verstappen, a two-time world champion, serves as an ongoing inspiration. "Of course, seeing what Max has done over the years, especially in his rookie years, was quite astonishing. So definitely he's a model who I get inspired by."
Verstappen, who shared the podium with Antonelli on Sunday, praised the young driver during the post-race press conference. Having followed Antonelli's career closely, Verstappen said, "I knew Kimi coming up through the karting ranks—people were already saying great things. So I was keeping an eye on him. I think what's impressive is he's naturally quick. What I like is his level-headed, calm approach. Those are great qualities to have."
Verstappen added, "I was never in doubt that the podium would come this year. In the coming years, for sure, we'll see a lot more of Kimi."
A Rising Star in Formula 1
Antonelli's rookie season has already been one to watch, and Sunday’s result cements his status as a rising star in Formula 1. While he acknowledges there’s still much to learn, the young Italian is proving he belongs among the elite. With continued mentorship from teammate George Russell and inspiration from competitors like Verstappen, the future looks bright for Antonelli.
For now, one thing is certain: the podium in Montreal is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. "Having moments like today makes you want more," Antonelli said. "And I definitely want more."
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