Kimi Antonelli hails Hamilton and Verstappen over 'unexpected' championship gesture
Kimi Antonelli, the youngest-ever F1 champion, expressed his gratitude after being hoisted onto the shoulders of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen during podium celebrations. He plans to frame the photograph of the moment as a career highlight.
Why it matters
The gesture is seen as a symbolic passing of the torch from established F1 legends to the sport's newest rising star.
Kimi Antonelli will frame images of his F1 title-winning podium celebrations, when Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen hoisted him onto their shoulders.
Antonelli celebrated his maiden F1 title alongside a pair of all-time F1 greats.
Kimi Antonelli became the youngest-ever F1 champion last Sunday, after finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Viewed by some as the latest generational talent, following multiple champions Hamilton and Verstappen, it seemed fitting that his crowning moment came as he stood alongside the two great rivals.
After spraying the champagne in front of the packed Foro Sol stadium, Antonelli found himself being lifted onto the shoulders of the greats, as he added his name to the exclusive list of F1 champions.
“It’s surreal,” Antonelli told the Silver Arrows Radio Show.
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