Only a perfect performance from Lando Norris and McLaren prevented Kimi Antonelli from achieving the dream of winning a Formula 1 race at just 19 years old. In São Paulo, however, the Bolognese driver delivered a flawless performance, proving Toto Wolff right about his talent: it was his second podium of the season and the best result of his career. To find an Italian driver finishing higher, one must go back to 2006, on March 19, five months before Kimi Antonelli was born.
What surprises most is not just the result itself, but the journey to get there. Kimi Antonelli achieved this in his rookie year after a season that was at times challenging, particularly in Europe. These struggles have shaped him into a mature driver, capable of keeping George Russell completely off pace throughout the weekend. According to the young Italian, this weekend could even mark a turning point in his relationship with his teammate.
Antonelli reflects on his relationship with Russell
“Certainly, my relationship with George is changing. It’s natural that he isn’t happy being behind me, just as I am never happy when I’m behind. The dynamic has shifted and will continue to evolve, but there is a lot of respect between us, and a positive team dynamic, because we push each other,” Kimi Antonelli told Sky Sports F1. “This weekend gives us incredible momentum heading into Las Vegas, where the team was fantastic last year. We hope to be strong again; obviously, the car has different characteristics compared to 2024, but the DNA is very similar.”
“I come from a positive period. Even in Mexico, things went well, although the results didn’t fully reflect the potential. The main difference this weekend was being able to put everything together, down to the details,” he added. “It was an incredibly emotional result because I went through a very dark period in the months before. I managed to overcome it, so this podium is truly special, even on a personal level.”
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