Max Verstappen commends Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Both ended up on the podium during the São Paulo GP on Sunday. The young Italian impressively fended off the attacks of the four-time world champion, finishing in an impressive second place, behind race winner Lando Norris. Verstappen is impressed with Antonelli and stated afterwards that the Italian more than deserved his spot on the podium.
In the qualifiers, Kimi Antonelli secured a spot on the front row for the first time. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver joined Lando Norris at the front of the field. A first victory was ultimately not in the cards for the Italian talent, but the second place did represent the best result of his fledgling Formula 1 career. Antonelli reflects on a fluctuating season, in which the European races were particularly challenging. However, he has strongly recovered in recent weeks – something that has not escaped Max Verstappen’s notice.
Emotional Rollercoaster
After the São Paulo GP, Verstappen was asked about the performance of the young Mercedes driver. The Dutchman had worked his way up to third place but ran out of laps to overtake Antonelli. “I would say he should continue to trust himself,” Verstappen advised. “A rookie season can sometimes be an emotional rollercoaster. Some weekends go well, others not so much. Sometimes you can’t live up to high expectations and make mistakes – but that’s part of it. Ultimately, those moments are essential for growth. Even in Formula 1, you make mistakes to become a better driver.”
At nineteen years old, Kimi Antonelli is by far the youngest driver on the grid. There were doubts last year when Mercedes announced that the Formula 2 rookie would be promoted to the premier class. “I think it has been a huge learning experience for him so far,” Verstappen emphasized. “At the same time, he is incredibly fast – I’ve always seen that, in all the classes he has raced in. To put in such a performance this weekend is just super strong,” he said about Antonelli’s performance in São Paulo. “He absolutely deserves to be on this podium. He’s in an excellent position.”
