Rosberg hails Antonelli’s racecraft after maiden podium at Canadian Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg praised Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli for his racecraft after his maiden podium at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix saw a commanding race from Mercedes driver George Russell, but it was his team-mate, Kimi Antonelli, who heard his name being chanted by the Montreal crowds. The 18-year-old Italian landed his maiden podium finish today, and Sky Sports pundit Nico Rosberg was full of praise for the rookie and his racecraft.

Speaking following the race, the 2016 Formula 1 champion highlighted a moment of the race that caught his eye.

"Just now from Kimi in the heat of the battle, he was having the capacity of looking behind and thinking which McLaren would be better for him to give a tow now," he explained.

Rosberg is referencing a moment in the latter stages of the race that saw Antonelli running third and managing a threat from both Papaya drivers. Rather than focussing on the car ahead, he analysed the positions of the pursuing Silverstone machines.

"Which McLaren does he prefer to have behind him? So obviously Oscar Piastri in that moment, that is pretty amazing to have that capacity left, trying to figure out which McLaren's which, and which do I give a tow."

Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby drew parallels with Russell, but Rosberg was quick to highlight Antonelli's young age.

"He's 18 years old. No, George is another thing. This guy, he's 18 years old."

While the Mercedes rookie has been met with headlines of his podium success, Russell delivered a standout performance from pole while managing a persistent Max Verstappen threat.

"That's what George Russell is about," Rosberg continued. "He's very meticulous. He pays attention to every detail. He works very hard. He prepares to the best of his possibility and we know that, huh?

George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images

"He's taking his ice baths, he's doing his nutrition. He's doing everything to perfection and I really, really respect that from him."

A double podium from the Silver Arrows hints at an improved level of performance from the team after a number of minor changes, including a rear suspension upgrade, were made. Team chief Toto Wolff is yet to raise his expectations, however, with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve being a track they were already expecting to excel on.

Antonelli's success is an "achievement for the team," according to Wolff - a success they will surely be celebrating ahead of Austria.