Antonelli explains surprise Russell gesture after debut

Kimi Antonelli has explained why he opted to be present at George Russell's podium celebration at the Australian Grand Prix.

Russell ended the race from Albert Park in third place, while Antonelli enjoyed a strong event as he rose to fourth place after starting from 16th on the grid.

Mercedes' strong haul of points has put it level with McLaren at the top of the constructors' championship.

Russell shared the podium with race winner Lando Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, while Antonelli watched the celebration from below alongside other Mercedes team members.

When asked by RacingNews365 why he decided to be present at the podium ceremony, Antonelli explained it was a gesture to repay the help he has received from Russell.

“We all did a good race, also from his side,” Antonelli said. “It was really hard to stay on the track overall.

“For him to grab the podium is a really good result from the team and it was good to go down there.

“He’s been helping me to improve [during the] weekend, so I’m definitely looking forward to be working with him in the future as well.”

Antonelli 'lucky' to spin in safe area

Antonelli's drive to fourth place marks the best debut result in F1 since Kevin Magnussen's podium finish 11 years ago.

However, the 18-year-old's drive was not error-free as he spun early on in the race at Turn 4.

The Italian noted the difficulties he endured with the Pirelli tyres, particularly his attempts to retain their temperature in the cooler conditions.

“The conditions were super tricky,” he said. “I also spun, I was lucky to just to spin a place where it was safe to do.

“Obviously conditions were super tricky and super slippery, especially behind the safety car, the tyres were cooling down massively.

“To get back the temperature was really tricky. But of course, I’m super happy with how everything was managed.”