Andrea Kimi Antonelli cherishes first F1 podium in Canadian GP after crucial pass and defence, as he notes of confidence regain after slump in the triple-header.
After a low-key triple-header, Mercedes’ Antonelli came into the weekend slightly on the backfoot. It didn’t start off well either on Friday, but he turned it around in qualifying after ending up fourth. He made it even better by passing Oscar Piastri on Lap 1 of F1 Canadian GP.
He defended well and even pressured Max Verstappen at times. Towards the end, he had both Piastri and Lando Norris on his tail but he managed to resist them, to an extent where the two collided themselves. This ensured a first podium for Antonelli in his first season itself.
It was also a confidence booster after a low-key run, as he backed teammate George Russell, who secured the win to make it a double Mercedes podium. “It meant a lot, especially after a difficult triple header on my side,” said Antonelli. “Definitely took some confidence away, but this was the best way to bounce back.
“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. 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.”
It was first-time for Antonelli in the cool down room and also he became the first Italian to step on the F1 podium since Jarno Trulli did in 2009. As an 18-year-old, who is sitting for his final exams this week, it was a memory of lifetime and one for the record books as well.
“It was much better than what I imagined,” said Antonelli. “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 and this feeling, you can’t buy this feeling. It’s an amazing feeling and you just want more.
“I think the goal now is to try to keep the same momentum and try to achieve more podiums, and hopefully maybe the first win – you never know in the future. It’s obviously a great feeling to be the next Italian on the podium after such a long time. Now the next goal is to win, to bring Italy back on top. This result was needed. It’s also for all the Italian Tifosi out there.
“Imola was an incredible weekend for me in terms of support. It didn’t go as well as I wanted, but seeing so much support already early on is great. So, this result is also for them,” summed up Antonelli, who had praise, not only from teammate Russell – who recalled his first podium – but also team boss Toto Wolff and Verstappen.
“My first podium obviously came in Belgium 2021, which was a bit of a unique race and very stressful for many different reasons, because scoring points for us as a team was far more important than the result itself,” said Russell. “But it’s a day you remember forever. I remember that day in Spa. I’m sure many people remember that day in Spa. I’m really happy to see Kimi here because it’s a lot of hard work.
“As he said, the triple header was tough for both of us for different reasons. But to come back – he showed a really solid race, had good race pace. That’s what we need to do as a team to continue getting these points and try to finish P2 in the constructors’.”
Wolff added: “Kimi meanwhile drove his own great race. He made a strong start and that set him up for the rest of the race. He nearly managed to get second and then battled and defended well in the closing stages to hold off the McLarens. He fully deserved to get on the podium and his first top three finish which I am sure there will be many more of.”
And Verstappen said: “For me, it’s not a surprise. 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. I was never in doubt that the podium would come this year. He had a few unlucky races – one of them in the sprint was also my fault with the pit stop.
“But it was just a matter of time. I’m very happy that it happened for him. It gives you more confidence. It’s a nice boost. And it will only get better. You’re in your rookie season – there’s so many things that will come at you. You learn from the weaker races, you learn from the good ones. In the coming years, for sure, we’ll see a lot more of Kimi.”
Here’s Lap 1 pass: https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2025-canadian-grand-prix-russell-leads-as-antonelli-jumps-piastri-on-the-race-start.1835020304157438572
Here’s Mercedes 1-3 celebrations: https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2025-canadian-grand-prix-russell-and-antonelli-celebrate-mercedes-1-3-finish.1835037270226178869
Here’s George Russell and co on Canadian GP late moments
Here’s Max Verstappen on covering for Andrea Kimi Antonelli
