18/06/2025 12:55
Kimi Antonelli described Max Verstappen as "astonishing" and
someone he gets "inspired by" after battling the Dutchman in the
Canadian Grand Prix. The young Mercedes star secured third at the
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, marking his first podium in the pinnacle
of motorsport. In doing so, he became the third youngest driver to
claim an F1 podium, and the first Italian since Jarno Trulli in the
2009 Japanese Grand Prix. Antonelli started in fourth but moved
into third on the opening lap, following an excellent overtake on
championship leader Oscar Piastri. He attempted to take second
from Verstappen but had to settle for the final spot on the podium
behind the four-time world champion. It was an emotional moment
for Antonelli, his family and Mercedes, with the 18-year-old having
received a huge cheer as he walked onto the podium. Given his age,
it is the first of likely many podiums for Antonelli, who explained
what about Verstappen motivates him. "Racing in F1 with the 19
other best drivers on the grid gives you a lot of motivation,"
Antonelli told media, including RacingNews365 , in Montreal.
"Having the chance to race at your best and show what you're
capable of is a great boost. Of course, seeing what Max has done
over the years, especially in his rookie years, was quite
astonishing. "So definitely he's a model who I get inspired by.
But at the end, racing against the best is a great chance. And
having someone like George as a team-mate really helps you
improve. "It's also down to George this result because he has
helped me during this first part of the season to develop and push
myself even further."
