Kimi Antonelli believes his maiden F1 podium in Canada must become the “turning point” of his rookie campaign, following a breakthrough result that came just days before completing his final school exams. The 18-year-old Mercedes driver, who has been balancing academic studies with the demands of an F1 debut season, claimed third place at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve—then immediately returned home to finish his secondary education.
Antonelli relieved to end academic pressure
While speaking to the media ahead of the 2025 F1 Austrian GP, Antonelli admitted the dual pressure of exams and elite competition had taken a toll, and that completing his studies has lifted a significant weight from his shoulders.
“I’m super happy to have finished this journey, which was important to finish,” Antonelli said. “Now I can just focus on racing, and it’s a big relief as well.”
While the 2025 F1 Canadian GP result marked a major milestone in his fledgling career, Antonelli revealed that academic obligations meant there was little time to enjoy the achievement.
“I couldn’t even celebrate Canada because I had to go and study straight away,” he explained. “It’s not easy of course to balance studies with motorsport, especially this year with F1 because I have a lot more commitments outside racing as well.”
A podium to remember in Montreal
Antonelli described standing on the podium at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and an unforgetable moment of his season. Antonelli said he experienced “goosebumps” from the atmosphere in Montreal and the support he received from fans and his team. “It took me a little while to realise what happened in Canada, it was such a special moment,” he added.
“Also to see the whole team in the pit lane, my dad as well, I think is a memory that I will remember forever. It took me quite long because when something such as this happens, it’s something so big that it takes a little bit for the brain to realise.”
Mercedes also allowed him to take the trophy home—a gesture that helped Antonelli appreciate the magnitude of the occasion.
“Mercedes were so kind, they let me bring the trophy home and I put it in the living room and every day I was walking past seeing the trophy, it was special. That also made me realise what had happened.”
Eyes on Austria as midseason nears
Antonelli now shifts focus to the 2025 F1 Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring, where his teammate George Russell claimed victory in 2024. The Italian knows expectations will rise but remains grounded, highlighting the importance of consistency and preparation.
“It was a really good result, big relief on my side and I think this has to be a turning point because obviously now I showed to myself that I can do it.”
With unpredictable weather a regular feature in Spielberg, Antonelli remains cautious heading into the weekend.
“It’s going to be interesting,” he noted. “First of all, we need to see the weather which is quite unpredictable. Just looking at today, it was crazy. I think the Canadian podium was a good boost of confidence, was a big relief as well, especially to release the stress, and I think this weekend is going to be different. Different track, different conditions, it’s a track where usually Red Bull have been strong.”
With his school commitments behind him, all eyes now turn to whether the Mercedes rookie can convert momentum into a consistent run of form through the heart of the 2025 season.
