Penalty removed, rousing debut for Kimi Antonelli: “I didn’t expect it”
Kimi Antonelli even finishes fourth: "I didn’t expect it"
The adventure of Andrea Kimi Antonelli in Formula 1 could not have started better. The young Mercedes driver, who started from the grid in 16th position, ended even in fourth place in the Australian Grand Prix, after the FIA took away a five-second penalty imposed on him for 'unsafe release'.
Thus, the finishing order at Melbourne's Albert Park changed with Antonelli moving up to fourth place and Alex Albon (Williams) dropping to fifth. In this way Mercedes scored the same points as McLaren, with the two teams paired at the top of the Constructors’ standings.
"I am happy with my race. Result that I would not have expected from that position, but with the rain I knew that anything could happen – admitted the 18-year-old from Bologna to the microphones of Sky Sports -. The team guided me in every possible condition, I am happy with how we handled it. I can't wait to get to China".
He is also complimented by his teammate George Russell: "He did a fantastic job after he was unlucky in qualifying. We saw how much the rookies struggled while he made no mistakes: there's no doubt he'll keep me on the ball this year. I am excited about that especially looking at the constructors championship: if we are theì together it will be extremely positive, è it was a good day".
