Young prodigy steals the show at the Canadian Grand Prix, leaving former champion in awe
The roaring crowds at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix witnessed a spectacle as Mercedes driver George Russell dominated the race. However, it was his teammate, the 18-year-old Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli, who captured the hearts of the Montreal fans by clinching his first-ever podium finish. Former Formula 1 champion turned Sky Sports pundit, Nico Rosberg, showered Antonelli with accolades for his exceptional racecraft and maturity on the track.
Rosberg couldn’t contain his admiration for Antonelli, especially pointing out a strategic move during the intense race. He marveled, “Just now from Kimi in the heat of the battle, he was having the capacity of looking behind and thinking which McLaren would be better for him to give a tow now.” This keen awareness and tactical thinking set Antonelli apart from his competitors.
Despite the spotlight shining on Russell for his pole-to-flag victory and fending off rivals like Max Verstappen, Rosberg was keen to emphasize Antonelli’s tender age of 18. Contrasting him with Russell, Rosberg emphasized, “No, George is another thing. This guy, he’s 18 years old.”
The Mercedes duo’s double podium finish signals a resurgence in the team’s performance following some strategic upgrades, including a rear suspension enhancement. Team principal Toto Wolff, however, remains cautious about escalating expectations, especially considering the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s favorability for their car.
Wolff hailed Antonelli’s success as a triumph for the team, hinting at celebrations in preparation for the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. The young Italian’s meteoric rise in Formula 1 has set the stage for a potential shift in the team dynamics, with Russell’s meticulous approach and Antonelli’s raw talent promising an exciting future for Mercedes.
As the F1 season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Mercedes camp, eager to see if Russell and Antonelli can maintain their momentum and challenge the status quo in the pinnacle of motorsport.
