Kimi Antonelli Surprised After Being Named Driver of the Day at Chinese Grand Prix…read more
Kimi Antonelli Surprised After Being Named Driver of the Day at Chinese Grand Prix
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli was taken aback after being named Driver of the Day at the Chinese Grand Prix, despite not finishing on the podium. The 18-year-old Italian, who has shown impressive form in his debut Formula 1 season, received the fan-voted award following Sunday’s race in Shanghai.
The accolade, which allows F1 fans worldwide to recognize standout performances, saw Antonelli win ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and fellow rookie Oliver Bearman. The young Mercedes driver had initially crossed the line in eighth place but was later promoted to sixth after the disqualifications of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Antonelli’s Shock Reaction to Driver of the Day Award
Antonelli’s steady performances for Mercedes this season have earned him widespread praise, with many seeing him as a rising star and potential future champion. However, even he was surprised when team principal Toto Wolff informed him over the radio that he had won the Driver of the Day award.
“Kimi, Driver of the Day—I just saw it on the screen,” Wolff announced. Antonelli, clearly caught off guard, responded: “Me? That’s weird.” The young Italian had finished P8 on track, and though his final classification improved to P6, he had not expected to receive such recognition from the fans.
Wolff, known for his humor, playfully suggested a reason for the vote: “I think it’s your looks and your target group… and obviously the looks of your race engineer also,” referring to Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington, the highly respected race engineer who previously worked with Lewis Hamilton.
Mercedes Capitalizes on Ferrari’s Misfortune
While Antonelli’s Driver of the Day award was unexpected, Mercedes as a team had reasons to celebrate. With Ferrari suffering a major setback due to both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz being disqualified from the race, Mercedes was able to climb to second place in the Constructors’ Championship standings.
George Russell and Antonelli have quietly been gathering crucial points for the Silver Arrows, helping the team stay in the fight for the championship. Although Mercedes has yet to match Red Bull’s outright pace, they have capitalized on opportunities to maximize their points haul.
For Antonelli, his performances so far in his debut season have solidified his reputation as a future star. With consistent points finishes in every race so far, he is proving to be a reliable asset for Mercedes. His ability to adapt quickly to the top tier of motorsport has drawn comparisons to Max Verstappen’s rise, with some believing Antonelli could be Mercedes’ long-term answer to Red Bull’s dominance.
A Bright Future for Antonelli
At just 18, Antonelli’s rapid progress has not gone unnoticed. His calm demeanor, combined with his natural talent, has already earned him the trust of the Mercedes team. Toto Wolff has repeatedly praised the young driver’s approach, hinting that he sees him as a key figure in the team’s long-term plans.
While Antonelli himself remains humble, his Driver of the Day award is a sign that fans are taking notice of his performances. Though he may not have expected the recognition in China, it’s clear that he is quickly becoming a fan favorite.
With a long season ahead, Antonelli will have more opportunities to prove himself on track. If his early performances are any indication, Mercedes may have found their next superstar.
