Antonelli ‘really happy' to bring home maiden F1 podium after ‘stressful’ race in Canada

Kimi Antonelli bounced back from a tough triple header in superb fashion as he claimed his maiden podium at the Canadian Grand Prix, contributing to a wholly successful outing for Mercedes.

The rookie driver admitted he had struggled with the soft C6 tyre compound across the recent run of races in Europe, as he retired from both his home race in Imola and the Spanish Grand Prix, as well as crashing in Qualifying in Monaco – overall, he was unable to score a single point.

READ MORE: Russell takes solid victory as Piastri and Norris collide late on in dramatic Canadian Grand Prix

But the W16 seemed to be much more suited to cooler conditions in Montreal, which served the team well as George Russell found the pace to convert pole position into a race win and Antonelli secured third place just behind Max Verstappen.

The result was made possible by an overtake on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on the opening lap, which saw the Italian improve from fourth to third place on track. Mercedes’ subsequent two-stop strategy helped him to maintain the position, despite some later pressure from the Australian.

Speaking after the race, Antonelli said: “It was so stressful but [I’m] super happy. At the start I managed to jump into P3 and I just stayed up there at the front.

“On the last stint I pushed a bit too hard behind Max and I killed the front left a bit. I struggled at the end but really happy to bring the podium home.”

READ MORE: ‘It’s amazing to be back on the top step’ – Russell jubilant after hard-fought victory in Canada

When asked to elaborate on his decisive move on Piastri, he added: “I had a good first launch and I managed to get alongside. In the first corner I just tried to carry as much speed as possible.

“Then when I was alongside him at Turn 2 I knew I would have an advantage, especially going into Turn 3. Really happy to stick that.”

The soft C6 tyres that had caused Antonelli issues in Imola and Monaco were a much less popular compound at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve – the yellow-walled medium tyres looked good over a single lap, and were also the primary choice for the majority of the top 10 at lights out for the Grand Prix.

Mercedes’ turnaround even extended to his tyre troubles, with the 18-year-old previously explaining that driving at the track he had never competed at before had increased his confidence levels and helped him make significant progress.

FACTS AND STATS: Antonelli becomes F1’s third-youngest podium finisher

However, like his team mate, he was unwilling to declare his performance in Canada the new norm, but expressed optimism that they will be able to build on the strong result in the following rounds.

Prompted on whether his next ambition will be a maiden race win, he said: “That’s the goal. Definitely this track has been good for us, the car has been incredible all weekend and hopefully we can carry the same momentum into the next few races.”