F1
Antonelli on the first podium of his career: "It was so stressful!"
© Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
18 years, 9 months and 21 days. In Montreal, Andrea Kimi Antonelli became the third youngest driver in the history of the Formula 1 to climb onto a podium, behind Max Verstappen et Lance strollThis performance is the result of a successful weekend and a solid race, where he never cracked under the pressure of rivals fighting for the title.
Unimpressed, the Italian attacked the championship leader, Oscar piastri, from the first round. "I got off to a good start and managed to get up to speed, he recalled upon arrival. Then, in the first corner, I just tried to carry as much speed as possible. When I was up to speed in Turn 2, I knew I was going to have the advantage in the next corner."
Antonelli quickly got rid of the Piastri threat and even came dangerously close to Max Verstappen. About to overtake him before the final wave of pit stops, he came out side by side with the Red Bull on lap 39. But with the tires at the right temperature, the Dutchman easily regained the advantage, while the Italian was unable to find a way through at the end of the race. “On the last stint, I pushed a little too hard behind Max and I killed my front left tire.”, he analyzed.
Antonelli's joy, but also the desire to climb even higher
Although he is extremely talented, the rookie is no robot. Upon arrival, he did not fail to share his relief, a smile screwed from ear to ear. It was so stressful! But I'm super happy.". Antonelli would probably have had to defend himself directly on the McLaren at the end of the race if the papaya cars hadn't collided shortly before the finish.
Asked by Nico Rosberg about the possibility of winning his first Grand Prix, the young Italian made no secret of his ambition. “That’s the goal!”, he smiled, without failing to point out that the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve suited his needs perfectly car. “It was a good track for us, the car was incredible all weekend and I hope we can continue that in the next races.”, he projected.
With George Russell's victory, the first for the Silver Arrows this season, it's a perfect weekend for Mercedes. “I'm so happy to see Kimi on the podium, Russell rejoiced. It's an incredible day for the team."Montreal is definitely a land of firsts, since it was here that another Mercedes-powered rookie took his first victory in 2007. A certain… Lewis Hamilton.
ALSO READ > Winner in Montreal, Russell is happy to have fulfilled Mercedes' "big hopes"
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vincent moyet
17/06/2025 at 12:05 a.m.
Honestly, I also thought Wolff hired him as a stopgap, knowing he'd be happy with a one-year deal to keep the seat open in case Verstappen decided to come. He's still lacking consistency, but he's got his place in a top team. When the "old" Hamilton and Alonso retire, Antonelli and Hadjar will be highly sought after by top teams. This is why Hadjar shouldn't rush to RBR.
Alain Féguenne (Luxembourg)
16/06/2025 at 03:14 a.m.
After confirming the results... I must congratulate... Kimi for his first podium, and a third place, totally deserved, and I must say again, I did not believe in the potential of this driver. Mea culpa...😎. We will see... the future 👍
vincent moyet
16/06/2025 at 01:06 a.m.
This is a great milestone to reach, and in a first season in F1 and at 18 years old, it's already very rare. He will gain confidence, and I maintain my prediction that the first victory could come as early as this year.
Yves-Henri RANDIER
16/06/2025 at 10:18 a.m.
We've been waiting for this first podium for AKA for some time and it's well deserved. It's a shame he couldn't compete with Verstappen to try and secure a Mercedes double, but perhaps, advised by Bono, he preferred to hold on for his first podium rather than take unnecessary risks against the Dutchman.
Lucas Paul
16/06/2025 at 09:16 a.m.
Keep it up Andrea, I'm talking on the dance floor, and especially off the dance floor, be aware of the circus that will revolve around you, and don't worry about it :):):)
eric stevens
16/06/2025 at 09:03 a.m.
He's a good kid! With a name like that, I had no doubts! Solid, serious, hardworking and efficient, he's one of the young talents who will make the F1 of tomorrow and contribute to putting some dusty names in the closet.