Mercedes had a robust weekend on the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, with George Russell taking the place for Paul and profitable by Max Barstappen, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli went from fourth to 3rd on the grid. He beforehand had Paul’s place at Dash occasions, however it was the primary time Antonelli has made it to the rostrum in his rookie season, and he says he is extra hungry.
“It was significantly better than I imagined,” Antonelli mentioned. “I had enormous goosebumps after I heard the gang whereas strolling on the rostrum, which is unquestionably a second I keep in mind for a really very long time.
“It provides you a lift – this final result and this sense, you possibly can’t purchase this sense. It is an incredible feeling, you simply need extra. The objective now could be to keep up the identical momentum and attempt to obtain extra podiums.
Earlier than that particular second, Antonelli needed to cope with sufficient stress as two McLarens closed within the last phases of Sunday’s race.
“To be sincere, I hoped the race would finish, and it was so traumatic that I used to be watching the display counting laps,” he mentioned. “Within the last stint, I pushed in a bit onerous behind Max, ultimately deteriorating the entrance left. The previous couple of laps had been powerful, particularly seeing Oscar (Piastri) getting nearer and nearer within the DRS vary.
Antonelli was praised by Russell after the race, and the Italians returned favor by saying that his teammates had been serving to him develop and enhance rapidly.
“I do know there’s nonetheless quite a bit to do and we’re making an attempt to get sooner at the beginning of the session, particularly in the case of qualifying. However we’re on a great path,” he mentioned. “The crew is doing a terrific job, and with George, he is serving to him push himself even additional. There’s actually good dynamics within the crew.
