Kimi Antonelli has revealed why he chose to join George Russell’s podium celebrations after an action-packed Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.
The Mercedes duo delivered standout performances, with Russell securing third place and Antonelli charging from 16th on the grid to an impressive fourth.
The Mercedes teams’ hefty points haul in Melbourne propelled them to the top of the constructors’ championship, where they now sit level with McLaren.
Russell shared the podium with race winner Lando Norris of McLaren and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, while Antonelli watched the ceremony from below alongside other Mercedes team members.
Reflecting on his decision to attend the podium, Antonelli said it was a way to thank Russell for his support. “We all did a good race, also from his side,” the 18-year-old Italian said.
“It was really hard to stay on the track overall. For him to grab the podium is a really good result for the teams, and it was good to go down there. He’s been helping me to improve during the weekend, so I’m definitely looking forward to working with him in the future as well.”
Antonelli’s climb to fourth marked the strongest Formula 1 debut since Kevin Magnussen landed a podium 11 years ago.
However, his race wasn’t without drama. Early on, he spun at Turn 4 but escaped unscathed. He later admitted the tricky conditions and Pirelli tyre struggles tested his skills.
“The conditions were super tricky,” Antonelli said. “I also spun—I was lucky to spin in a place where it was safe to do. Especially behind the safety car, the tyres were cooling down massively. To get back the temperature was really tricky. But of course, I’m super happy with how everything was managed.”
The Australian Grand Prix showcased the Mercedes teams’ potential, with Russell’s podium and Antonelli’s recovery drive setting a high bar. Fans are already buzzing about their partnership as the season progresses.
Next up, the Formula 1 circus heads to the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. The 56-lap battle around the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit is set for Sunday, March 23, promising more wheel-to-wheel action.
