Max Verstappen was not surprised to see Kimi Antonelli join him on the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix after "keeping an eye" on the Italian as he ascended to F1.
The Mercedes driver quickly rose through the single-seater ranks, getting confirmed as one half of the team's 2025 line-up soon after this 18th birthday.
At the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Antonelli became the third-youngest podium finisher in F1 history, after Verstappen and Lance Stroll.
When the Dutchman was asked what exceptional qualities he had observed in the teenager, he zeroed in on the "level-headed, calm approach" that helped carry him to the rostrum in Montreal.
"For me, it's not a surprise," the 65-time grand prix winner told media including RacingNews365. "I knew Kimi coming up through the karting ranks – people were already saying great things. So I was keeping an eye on him.
"I think what's impressive is he's naturally quick. What I like is his level-headed, calm approach. Those are great qualities to have.
"I was never in doubt that the podium would come this year. He had a few unlucky races – one of them in the sprint was also my fault with the pit stop. But it was just a matter of time."
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Antonelli also became the first Italian F1 driver to reach the podium since Jarno Trulli for Toyota at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2009.
In comes in the midst of a strong debut campaign, which has included a sprint pole at the Miami Grand Prix.
Following that, however, Antonelli endured a difficult, pointless European triple-header. But Verstappen believes his return to form in Canada can be the tonic he needs.
"I'm very happy that it happened for him. It gives you more confidence. It's a nice boost. And it will only get better," the four-time F1 drivers' champion said before addressing Antonelli directly in the post-race FIA press conference.
"You're in your rookie season – there's so many things that will come at you," Verstappen added. "You learn from the weaker races, you learn from the good ones.
"In the coming years, for sure, we'll see a lot more of Kimi."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they dissect a controversial Canadian Grand Prix. Red Bull's rejected protest against George Russell's victory and the shock intra-team crash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are main talking points.
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