{"id":542981,"date":"2026-03-16T00:42:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T00:42:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/542981\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T00:42:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T00:42:16","slug":"f1-news-kimi-antonelli-caught-in-awkward-chinese-gp-podium-mix-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/542981\/","title":{"rendered":"F1 news: Kimi Antonelli caught in awkward Chinese GP podium mix-up"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKimi Antonelli was involved in a bizarre moment on the podium after his first F1 win. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n

The Mercedes driver secured his first victory at the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday<\/a>, becoming the second-youngest grand prix winner in Formula 1 history.<\/p>\n

But as he stepped out to celebrate the moment alongside teammate George Russell and Ferrari\u2019s Lewis Hamilton, a slip of the tongue from podium announcer Bob Constanduros briefly turned the clock back.<\/p>\n

Instead of introducing the Italian teenager as the race winner, Constanduros\u00a0mistakenly welcomed \u201cKimi Raikkonen\u201d to the stage, referencing the 2007 world champion who last raced in F1 in 2021.<\/p>\n

The moment left Antonelli visibly puzzled as he walked onto the podium, while Russell and Hamilton also appeared confused by the announcement.<\/p>\n

For viewers watching live, it was not immediately clear why the 19-year-old looked so surprised.<\/p>\n

The blunder quickly spread online after Mercedes shared footage of the moment on social media, posting a clip of the teenager being introduced as Raikkonen with the caption: \u201cErm\u2026 that doesn\u2019t sound right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erm\u2026 that doesn\u2019t sound right? \ud83d\ude02 pic.twitter.com\/9NsvSRTyse<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 15, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Despite the awkward introduction, the podium ceremony capped a historic day for Antonelli.<\/p>\n

At 19 years, six months and 19 days old, the Italian became the second-youngest driver ever to win a grand prix and the first Italian winner since Giancarlo Fisichella\u2019s victory in Malaysia in 2006.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on his breakthrough triumph, Antonelli described the moment as a lifelong dream realised.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat an incredible day! This win is a fulfilment of one of the dreams I\u2019ve had ever since I first drove a go-kart,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe race itself wasn\u2019t easy. I lost a position at the start and had to fight back to get ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe then had to manage the safety car restart which wasn\u2019t easy on the hard compound.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was difficult to get the tyres working but fortunately we were able to before we were under threat from those behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Antonelli added that while the result was a major milestone, his focus is already turning to the races ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has been a great way to close the first double-header of the season, but there is lots of work ahead,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe aren\u2019t taking anything for granted and will make sure we work hard ahead of Japan and arrive in Suzuka in the strongest position we can.\u201d<\/p>\n


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