MONTREAL - Kimi Antonelli is barely old enough to buy a beer in Montreal, but there was no question that he was old enough to stand on the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix.
The 18-year-old Mercedes rookie took third place from current championship leader Oscar Piastri at the opening corner and never relinquished it. Antonelli admitted that he was counting down the laps near the end of the race as Piastri mounted a challenge, but he did enough to defend the final podium spot.
"It was much better than what I imagined," Antonelli said of the result in the post-race press conference. "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."
Antonelli became the third-youngest podium finisher in Formula 1 history Sunday. He was joined on the podium by teammate George Russell and Max Verstappen, who holds the record for youngest podium member ever. The teenage driver credited both for helping his journey along the way.
"Seeing what Max has done over the years, especially in his rookie years, was quite astonishing," Antonelli told theScore and other media. "So, definitely a model who I get inspired by. But at the end, getting to race with the other 19 best drivers on the grid is a great chance. Also, having someone like George as a teammate 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."
Verstappen also stated Antonelli's podium finish was "not a surprise" to him.
"I think what's impressive is he's naturally quick," the reigning champion said. "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."
Verstappen continued: "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."
Antonelli's podium came after a tough triple-header in which he scored no points across races in Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona.
"This was the best way to bounce back," Antonelli said.
