Antonelli reflects on historic podium: 'It was so stressful'

Andrea Kimi Antonelli recalled his third-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix, failing to supress his delight at bringing "the podium home".

The 18-year-old Italian became the third-youngest podium-sitter in the history of Formula 1 by crossing the line in P3 after a gruelling 70-lap event in Canada.

Starting in fourth on the grid after a solid Qualifying performance, Antonelli managed to jump Championship leader Oscar Piastri through the opening couple of corners, moving up to third position.

The rookie Mercedes driver stayed in a net third for the remainder of the Grand Prix, despite late charges from Piastri and the latter's McLaren teammate Lando Norris.

Antonelli Praises His Team

Both McLarens closed in to within a few car lengths of Antonelli with a handful of laps remaining, but the Italian kept his cool at the head of the battle to stay ahead of the papaya pair.

Meanwhile, Norris misjudged an overtaking opportunity on Piastri at the start of lap 67, clattering into the rear of his teammate and crashing out of the race.

Piastri managed to continue on in the Grand Prix, but the intra-team clash behind allowed Antonelli to stretch his legs and hold onto a maiden podium finish.

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Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, Antonelli commented on his emotions after completing an important milestone in his budding F1 career.

He said: "It was so stressful, but super happy, you know. I had a good start, I managed to jump into P3 and yeah, just stayed up there at the front.

"I pushed a bit too hard behind Max and I killed a bit the front left. And I struggled a bit at the end, but really happy to bring the podium home," added the rookie driver.

Antonelli continued by recalling his all-important first lap overtake on Piastri: "I had a good first launch and I managed to get alongside. And then in the first corner, I just tried to carry as much speed as possible.

"And then when I was alongside him in T2 I knew I would have had the advantage, especially going into T3 and I'm really happy to take that," stated Antonelli.

The Mercedes driver hopes that he and the team's great form will continue into Austria in a fortnight's time.

He concluded: "Definitely this track has been good for us. The car has been incredible all weekend. And yeah, hopefully we can carry the same momentum into the next few races."

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