Montreal Memories: Kimi Antonelli Secures First F1 Podium in Shocking Mercedes 1-3 Finish

In only his tenth race, Kimi Antonelli finally checked off a major Formula 1 milestone. Following the results of the Canadian Grand Prix, the Italian driver secured a podium spot in third place, the first of his career in the series.

A podium finish is a huge accomplishment for the driver and marks the beginning of a road to success in the sport. On top of his first shiny new trophy, Antonelli is also the third youngest podium finisher of all time, only falling behind Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll.

Kimi Antonelli secures his first podium finish of his F1 career. Courtesy of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Media Centre/ LAT Images.

It was a day to remember for Mercedes, as George Russell managed to clinch his first win of the season in Canada, with a promising 1-3 finish for the team. So far, a question mark hangs over what other team can find success in the 2025 season when only McLaren and Red Bull have dominated all year.

There was no better place for Antonelli to secure his first podium, as he was able to celebrate properly due to the drinking age laws in Montreal. As a young driver, he has some barriers that could prevent further celebrations at future races outside of Europe. 

Mercedes managed to break through and become the third team of the season to claim a win. Russell’s success gave the team crucial points for both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings. 

The British team remains a strong contender, being second in the team standings, and both drivers are slowly closing the gap in their respective positions. If they can keep their momentum, it could completely change the trajectory of the season so far.

Antonelli’s success isn’t entirely surprising, as he has been a standout driver during his short career, which has catapulted him rapidly to the pinnacle of motorsport. After clinching titles in the Italian and ADAC F4 Championships in 2022 and FRECA in 2023, he skipped F3 altogether and joined PREMA alongside Oliver Bearman in the F2 series in 2024.

Antonelli (left) and Bearman (right), two of the F1 rookies this year, were teammates in F2 during the 2024 season. Courtesy of Lastwordonsports.com.

He began his driving career at the age of 15, and in just three short years, he managed to achieve what many work their entire lives for. Joining the 2025 grid as a rookie, he took Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes, which the British driver had occupied for 12 seasons. It is no easy task to face, but Antonelli hasn’t succumbed to the pressure.

In his ten races, the Italian driver has had six top-10 finishes, 2 sprint race top-10 finishes, 1 sprint race pole position, and only 2 DNFs. With 63 total career points, he sits at seventh in the driver standings, and he will hopefully go up from there. 

Antonelli is the sole representative of his home country as the only current Italian driver on the grid. There is no shortage of Italian pride present in Formula 1, mainly reserved for Ferrari, but the hometown hero gets his fair share of support from fans. 

While Imola was a race to forget for Antonelli, there is still another opportunity for him to shine again at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. It may not be his home region, but he can still represent his flag and work towards more success.

The Italian driver has no shortage of fans, and it was evident during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the site of his origins. Courtesy of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Media Centre/Sebastian Kawka.

As the season is nowhere near its end, there is still a wide window of opportunity for big changes to be made in the current standings. Nothing is set in stone, and much can still be decided. 

As Mercedes seems to be ramping up the pace, they could cause a major shakeup. All they need to do is stay focused and remain consistent, and we could once again see the teal and silver on the top step this season.

Edited by Reese Dlabach