Mercedes Captures Wholesome Moment Between Verstappen and Antonelli in Las Vegas

Kimi Antonelli, recently confirmed for a Mercedes F1 2026 seat, continued his impressive run at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Following a chaotic race and post-race disqualifications, Antonelli secured an unexpected podium, a moment of triumph that caught the attention of reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

This interaction highlights the respect among top-tier drivers and acknowledges Antonelli's emerging talent. For Mercedes, it validates their confidence in the young driver, especially as he continues to deliver strong performances, including his first F1 podium. It also adds a feel-good narrative amidst the intense competition and post-race controversy.

The Details:

• Antonelli started 17th after a Q1 exit but showed remarkable pace throughout the race.
• He initially finished fifth on the road, despite receiving a five-second penalty for a false start.
• Post-Race Disqualifications: Both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were disqualified due to excessive plank wear, elevating Antonelli to third place and securing a double podium for Mercedes alongside George Russell.
• Verstappen's Reaction: A video released by Mercedes showed Max Verstappen congratulating Antonelli. Upon learning Antonelli finished fourth on the road (before the McLarens' disqualification), Verstappen expressed clear admiration with a thumbs-up, acknowledging the difficulty of such a charge through the field.
• Antonelli's Strategy: Antonelli described his one-stop strategy as "very risky." He managed significant tire graining during the race but successfully made it to the end, fending off Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc.
• Improving Form: Antonelli noted his growing comfort and confidence in the car, stating that the feeling is "getting better and better." He viewed his podium as "redemption" after a disappointing qualifying session.

The Big Picture:

Antonelli's performance in Las Vegas, culminating in his first F1 podium, is a significant milestone. It not only boosts his momentum but also underscores Mercedes' decision to sign him for 2026. His ability to recover from a poor qualifying and manage a challenging race strategy against experienced competitors demonstrates his potential as a future star. This result also brings him closer to challenging Lewis Hamilton for sixth in the Drivers' Championship, with only two rounds remaining.

What's next:

With the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds still to come, Antonelli aims to finish the season on a high. His current trajectory suggests he could further close the 15-point gap to Hamilton, cementing his position as one of F1's most promising young talents heading into the next season and his eventual move to the factory Mercedes team. Continuing this form will be crucial for building anticipation for his 2026 debut.