- Antonelli describes winning the Chinese Grand Prix as his best day.
- Mercedes became the youngest driver to lead F1 World Championship.
- Toto Wolff seeks to protect his teenage sensation from early title pressure.
Kimi Antonelli recently opened up about the day of his maiden win, sharing what the moment meant for him and how he was welcomed in his home country, Italy. He described winning the Chinese Grand Prix as the best day of his life. He revealed that it was a meaningful moment not just for him to see his dream come true but also for his family and the entire team.
The Italian driver has been in a very strong position since the beginning of the season and has added a few key moments to the history books and hall of his career milestones. Initially, in China GP, he became the youngest pole-sitter, who later went on to win the final race, becoming the second teenage driver to do so, after Max Verstappen. As the season headed to Suzuka, he won the race, snatching the lead from his teammate George Russell in the points table and becoming the youngest championship leader ever.
Antonelli reflects on winning the Miami Grand Prix
In a conversation with Mercedes Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, Antonelli shared his thoughts on what it was like to win his first race in China. He said, “Being able to achieve one of my dreams and to get that first win. And the first one is always special because it happens only once. It was a very meaningful moment for me, for the team, for my family.”
He revealed that his dad was present to witness this memorable day, but his mother wasn’t, as she was there to look after his sister. He said that it was a big moment for everyone and also for him, especially since he got to achieve one of his dreams. He described the feeling of securing his maiden win as “emotional” and “super cool.”
How did the tifosi react to his maiden win?
Antonelli also shared what reaction he received from the people of Italy upon his arrival. He added, “At the airport, there were journalists and stuff, a lot of excitement because the last one was 2006.” Here, he was referring to Giancarlo Fisichella, who won the Malaysian GP in 2006. He feels super grateful to have gotten the opportunity to bring his country back to the top again.
As the young Italian leads the standings, 9 points away from his teammate, Russell, the championship talk around him has already begun. However, Toto Wolff wants to “protect” him from that championship buzz. He strongly believes that such talks this early don’t help a young driver improve. He has earlier stressed the importance of staying humble while providing a reality check that the championship is a long way.
