A golden weekend for Antonelli in Brazil. Second place in the Sprint and a repeat in Sunday's race. His best result of the season and obviously of his career. Over the weekend he was often compared to Verstappen, a driver with whom he almost managed to share a record that was nothing short of insane: together, they are the youngest drivers who have climbed onto the podium at Interlagos.
Verstappen did it at the age of 19 years and 44 days, while Antonelli did it at 19 years and 76 days. On the other hand, however, it must be said that Kimi succeeded in his debut season, which certainly carries greater weight.
Leaving the records to themselves, we can say that Italian seems to have rediscovered itself. After a period of extreme difficulty, which lasted as long as Formula 1 found itself racing on European soil, Kimi began to achieve good results. Above all, he managed to beat his teammate George Russell in two consecutive GPs, who suffered enormously from the Italian's performances at the Sao Paulo circuit.
Kimi finished second in all the key sessions of the weekend: second place in Sprint Qualifying, Sprint, Qualifying and, finally, also in the race.
Antonelli was the only one capable of holding his own against Verstappen, and with a damaged car to boot
But more than the result itself, there is one episode that we imagine Russell nibbled a lot at the end of the GP. The Italian managed to contain the attacks of the aggressive Verstappen in the end, and the car was also damaged in contact with Piastri and Leclerc during lap 6°. What George couldn't do even with a car in perfect condition. Max will take just one lap to overtake the Briton from the moment he had the opportunity to open DRS.
We can give Russell the alibi that when the Dutchman caught up with him he had Soft tyres that had only covered 7-8 laps. When he found himself fighting with Antonelli they had 12-13. However, the Italian's feat remains almost heroic, a real setback against George. Also because, all things considered, Kimi was the only driver in Brazil that Max failed to overtake. The only one who could stand up to him.
Photo: Mercedes
Read also in italian language: Antonelli, lo smacco a Russell vale più del secondo posto
All the news, photos, weather, session times and times from the Brazilian GP 2025
