Canadian GP – Key figures from Antonelli's F1 podium

Qualified fourth just ahead Lewis HamiltonKimi Antonelli made less noise than his teammate George Russell to start the tenth event of the season in Canada. Fast, efficient, and above all consistent, the Italian already seemed to be learning the lessons of a particularly difficult sequence for him, the first of his young career in F1, on European soil.

Forced to abandon at Imola, in front of his family and friends who had come in large numbers, Antonelli also had to withdraw his car of the Monaco Grand Prix at the end of a weekend devoid of any form of confidence. In Barcelona, ​​the young protégé of Mercedes had once again ended his race with a retirement, further undermining the driver's usual optimism. Lucidly, however, the driver spoke on the subject on Thursday, during the Formula 1 press day.

"I have a lot to learn: many scenarios to experience and situations to face. The sequence, even if it was not the most pleasant, was still an enriching experience for me, he put into perspective. For the first time, I had some really difficult moments: the performance wasn't there, I lacked confidence and I had difficulties with the tires. It was a very good lesson, and I know better how to react for the future."

Antonelli makes history in Montreal

Capable of assuming his status and his ambitions, Kimi Antonelli didn't wait to make his reaction count. By finishing on the podium for the first time at 18 years and 294 days, the Italian became the third youngest driver to achieve this feat in the history of Formula 1. Ahead of him, only Lance stroll et Max Verstappen were younger when they reached the top 3, with the Dutchman holding the record in the category at 18 years and 228 days.

Similarly, he became the third driver on the grid to need the fewest Grands Prix before reaching the podium. After 10 appearances, George Russell's teammate is close to matching Lance Stroll's performance (8), but naturally does not match the record performance of Lewis Hamilton, who finished third in his first Formula 1 GP with McLaren Australia.

217^e driver in the history of the discipline to reach a podium, he has above all become the first Italian to achieve this since Jarno Trulli, during the Japanese Grand Prix in 2009. Congratulated by Toto wolff, Team Principal of the Mercedes team after the race for not having cracked under the pressure of the McLarens behind him, the rookie having broken all the records before his arrival in F1 seems well on his way to taking over some new brands in the premier category.

ALSO READ > Antonelli on the first podium of his career: "It was so stressful!"