For Max Verstappen, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s first podium was only a matter of time: he is not surprised that the rookie performed so well
Italy has reason to celebrate again – but not because of Ferrari. Sixteen years after Jarno Trulli, an Italian finally celebrated on the podium again on Sunday in Canada. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, just 18 years old, secured the first podium finish of his Formula 1 career in the race in Montreal, underlining his talent.
“It’s obviously a great feeling to be the next Italian on the podium after such a long time,” laughs the Mercedes driver. “This result was important. It’s also for all the Italian tifosi out there.”
Imola showed him how much support he enjoys in his home country. “It was an incredible weekend for me, but the race didn’t go as well as I would have liked.” In Canada, he was able to make up for that after a difficult triple-header.
“The next goal is now, of course, to win and bring Italy back to the top,” said Antonelli.
With this success, the youngster has also proven his talent. Quite a few people were skeptical as to whether the Italian would be able to fill the big shoes of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, but for world champion Max Verstappen, the podium is no surprise.
“I already knew Kimi from karting – people were already talking very positively about him back then. So I always kept an eye on him,” says the Dutchman, praising Antonelli’s natural speed as well as his level-headed, calm approach. “Those are great qualities,” says the Red Bull driver.
He says he never doubted that Antonelli would make it onto the podium this year and that after a few unlucky races (in which Verstappen also played his part in the Miami sprint), it was only “a matter of time.”
“I’m really happy that it’s worked out for him now,” emphasizes the Dutchman, knowing that the result can be a nice boost for the rookie and give him confidence.
“And it will only get better. He’s in his rookie season – there’s so much more to come. You learn from the weaker races, you learn from the good ones. We’re sure to see a lot more from Kimi in the coming years,” he said with conviction.
