Kimi Antoneli has highlighted the need to improve despite securing Maiden’s Formula One podium at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Antonelli finished third on Sunday at the Circuit Gills Villeneuve, with Mercedes giving her first double podium finish of the year.
The Italian became the third youngest podium finisher in Formula One history, with Max Verstappen and Lance taking a slightly younger walk after finishing in the top three for the first time.
Antoneri drove a mature race and came in third, overtaking Oscar Piastri on the opening lap.
Antoneri put pressure on Verstappen at various stages, but Red Bull covered him with two timely pit stops.
The 18-year-old resisted pressure from the McLaren duo at the latter stage.
Speaking at the post-race FIA press conference, Antonelli looked back at his first podium finish.
“So, especially when it comes to qualifying, I know there’s a lot to do if you’re trying to get early at the start of the session, but we’re on a good path,” Antonelli said.
“The team is doing a great job, and with George, he’s helping him push himself even further. There’s really good dynamics in the team.
Antonelli admitted that the closure wrap was “stressed” due to pressure from the back piastry.
“To be honest, I was hoping the race would be over,” he added. “It was so stressful that I watched the screen count the laps, and in the final stint I pushed it a little too hard behind Max, eventually deterring the front left.
“The last few laps were a struggle, especially seeing Oscar get closer and closer in the DRS range. At one point he even tried to try and pass in order.
First F1 podium: “Better than I imagined”
Antoneri’s first podium was special, especially as his father, Marco Antoneri, was present.
The Canadian crowd was also heard chanting “You” when he spoke to Nico Rosberg of Park Ferme after the race.
“Well, that was much better than I imagined,” Antonelli explained. “I had huge goosebumps when I heard the crowd while walking on the podium, which is definitely a moment I remember for a very long time.
“It gives you a boost – this outcome and this feeling, you can’t buy this feeling. It’s an amazing feeling, you just want more. Now the goal is to maintain the same momentum and try to achieve more podiums.