Rookie Mercedes driver, Andrea “Kimi” Antonelli, took his first F1 podium at the Canadian GP which “meant a lot” to the Italian driver.
Kimi Antonelli took his first podium at the Canadian GP after starting fourth. The rookie was able to take fourth on the opening lap at Turn 3 from championship leader, Oscar Piastri. The 18-year-old was able to hold on to P3 after everyone’s trip to the pits.
Antonelli came to the Canadian GP after a tough triple header. The rookie DNF’ed at the Spanish GP, triggering a late Safety Car, for example. The 18-year-old’s first podium was “the best way to bounce back“.
When asked about how he felt after his first podium during the Post-Race Press Conference, Antonelli answered, “It meant a lot, especially after a difficult triple header on my side. Definitely took some confidence away, but this was the best way to bounce back.”
Keeping the McLaren’s behind
The Italian kept the season dominate McLarens at bae at the Canadian GP as he saw “Oscar getting closer and closer in the DRS range“. Even after an inter-McLaren crash, Antonelli had his W16, which was well suited to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The rookie was able to stay ahead but with “a lot of effort“.
“I was just hoping for the race to finish, to be honest. 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. The last few laps were a struggle, especially seeing Oscar getting closer and closer in the DRS range. At one point, he even tried to attempt the overtake in turn one. It took a lot of effort.”
Looking ahead with confidence
The rookie driver knows “there’s a lot of work to do” after his great Canadian GP. With the tutelage of teammate, George Russell, the 18-year-old is building his confidence as a F1 driver as the season goes on.
“Yeah, definitely. I mean, 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. 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. There’s a really good dynamic in the team. Hopefully, we can carry this momentum into the next few races.“
