Kimi Antonelli recalls 'way too stressful' Max Verstappen threat

Kimi Antonelli has stated his end-of-race defence against Max Verstappen was “way too stressful” at the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Antonelli secured a career-best second place on Sunday as he held off Verstappen's pursuit in the closing stages of the race.

It marked the Italian driver's second podium of the season and offered a considerable boost for the rookie, who has endured a series of disappointing results this year.

Verstappen made his final pit stop on lap 54, switching to the soft compound while Antonelli circled on an older medium compound.

Verstappen closed on Antonelli in the final laps but couldn't pull off a move for the runner-up spot.

When asked how stressful he found the closing laps of the grand prix, Antonelli told media including RacingNews365: “Way too stressful. 

“When Max did the last pit stop and Bono told me the gap, I was like - ah well, I cannot say because they're going to fine me now - but I was like 'I might be in trouble'.

“He was just nine seconds behind, he was on new softs, this race he had very strong pace. 

“He did an amazing job coming back and he just put me under a lot of pressure at the end. I had to really push the tyre to the limit, and it wasn't easy. 

“But I think we did our best and I'm really happy with that.”

With Vegas next on the F1 schedule, Mercedes is being tipped to have a strong weekend in the colder conditions.

Antonelli has highlighted he will apply the learnings from his successful event in Brazil in an attempt to round out the season on a high.

“We did the best,” he said. “On my side, I tried to learn as much as possible every session in order to improve for the next one.

“It’s been a lot of good fun. The support here has been incredible, and it’s been one of the most special weekends so far.”