Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) sad after finishing third: “I’ve still got a lot to learn”

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli takes to the podium following the thrilling Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, but this time he can’t manage better than third place: George Russell and Max Verstappen finished ahead of the Italian on this occasion.

The 19-year-old Italian had a peculiar race – rather erratic in the early stages, but very strong in the closing stages. The Bolognese driver said, visibly contrite: “I was a bit over-eager in the first few laps; I really didn’t drive well then – far too many mistakes.”

“I struggled with the brakes; the brake pedal felt long, and I didn’t have the right feel for them, but that’s no excuse. I lost places and certainly four to five seconds through my own fault.”

“After the tyre change, I got into my stride better and finally found a good rhythm. Towards the end, I finally found my pace, but unfortunately I arrived at the party up front a little too late.”

“As far as I’m concerned, the race could easily have gone on for another two or three laps. Then perhaps something might have been possible. Congratulations to George and Max, who drove really strongly. As for me – I’ve still got a lot to learn. On the day, I simply made too many mistakes.”

Topic of the week

From major doubts to a major spectacle: why GP fans have reason to be delighted

Before the start of the season, critical voices dominated, but the World Championship rounds so far have shown that the rule changes are delivering exactly what was hoped for: excitement right up to the final lap.

Read more

TV program

Today

Budapest: Das Rennen Re-Live

FIA Formula One World Championship

26.07.2026 - 17:15