20/06/2025 07:25
Max Verstappen was not surprised to see Kimi Antonelli join him on
the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix after "keeping an eye" on the
Italian as he ascended to F1. The Mercedes driver quickly rose
through the single-seater ranks, getting confirmed as one half of
the team's 2025 line-up soon after this 18th birthday. At the
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Antonelli became the third-youngest
podium finisher in F1 history, after Verstappen and Lance Stroll.
When the Dutchman was asked what exceptional qualities he had
observed in the teenager, he zeroed in on the "level-headed, calm
approach" that helped carry him to the rostrum in Montreal. "For
me, it's not a surprise," the 65-time grand prix winner told media
including RacingNews365 . "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." Advice from Verstappen Antonelli also became the
first Italian F1 driver to reach the podium since Jarno Trulli for
Toyota at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2009. In comes in the midst of
a strong debut campaign, which has included a sprint pole at the
Miami Grand Prix. Following that, however, Antonelli endured a
difficult, pointless European triple-header. But Verstappen
believes his return to form in Canada can be the tonic he needs.
"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," the
four-time F1 drivers' champion said before addressing Antonelli
directly in the post-race FIA press conference. "You're in your
rookie season – there's so many things that will come at you,"
Verstappen added. "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."
