Mercedes searching for answers after Kimi Antonelli’s pace fell off in F1 Dutch GP
Mercedes has launched a “deep dive” into Kimi Antonelli’s performance at the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix after the championship leader revealed he had a “difficult second half” of the race as he struggled with the balance of his W17. Antonelli had a strong start to the grand prix. After qualifying third, he jumped team-mate George Russell off the line to secure second place before the ... Keep…
Kimi Antonelli, the newly crowned Formula 1 champion, has shared an intriguing detail about the special treatment his Mercedes team afforded him. Following his historic maiden victory at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, the team granted him the privilege of retaining the original winner's trophy from the podium.
In a candid interview with GQ Magazine, Antonelli recounted his emotional moment, describing the significance of this first triumph in the top division. He noted that while most teams retain the original trophies, they usually provide drivers with high-quality replicas on the podium. However, Mercedes made an exception for Antonelli, recognizing the monumental nature of his inaugural win.
The Italian F1 driver expressed his gratitude, stating that the original trophy, which he received on the podium, holds immense sentimental value. This particular piece, he emphasized, is the one he lifted himself during the podium ceremony. Anticipating a challenging race, Antonelli's determination shone through as he started from pole position, knowing it would be a tough battle.
He reflected on the pivotal moment when he realized he was closing in on the finish line, realizing the immense satisfaction of his hard work paying off.
Written by urgent.news from Motorsport.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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