F1 podium finish even better than Antonelli imagined

Antonelli completed a double podium for Mercedes at the Canadian Grand Prix, finishing third, while George Russell won his first race of the season.

The 18-year-old became the third-youngest driver to finish on the podium in F1, after Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll.

Antonelli said the experience of the podium celebrations was even better than what he imagined.

"Well, it was much better than what I imagined," said Antonelli.

"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, 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."

Mentor and team mate Our VB pic.twitter.com/3TD60Wo0kk

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) June 16, 2025

Russell won the race from pole position but finished under the safety car following a collision between McLaren team-mates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Antonelli was grateful for Russell’s role in his first top-three finish after the British driver helped him "push even further" this season.

"I'm still aware there's a lot of work to do, especially when it comes to qualifying, trying to be quicker at the beginning of the session," Antonelli added.

"But we're on a good path. The team is doing a great job. Also, with George, he's helping me to push myself even further.

"At the end, racing against the best is a great chance. And having someone like George as a team-mate 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."