Kimi Antonelli reveals special Mercedes gesture after maiden F1 win

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.