Kimi Antonelli admits that his victory in the Canadian Grand Prix was “not really the way I wanted”, after Mercedes team mate George Russell retired following an epic tussle between the pair.
The Mercedes duo engaged in a thrilling wheel-to-wheel tussle in the early stages of the 68-lap race in Montreal, with both drivers leading at various points, as well as suffering lock-ups and running wide.
The decisive moment came on Lap 30 as Russell retired from the lead at Turn 8 after suffering a power unit failure, leaving the way clear for Antonelli to claim his fourth Grand Prix win in succession.
“Not really the way I wanted to win if I have to be honest because it was a tough fight with George,” said Antonelli.
“It was very intense but I think it would have been cool to see how it would have ended up because we were going at each other.
“We were pushing and I think we both did a lot of mistakes. I think on my side I did a mistake that was a little bit in a crucial moment when I went back in front and started to pull away.
“That was a mistake that if I could have avoided would have been better. For sure was a tough battle, was intense, and of course I felt sorry for him but we’ll take the win and move forward.”
Russell’s retirement has had huge ramifications in the title battle, with Antonelli now holding a 43-point lead after just five race weekends.
Despite enjoying such a healthy lead in the points, Antonelli was wary of the threat Russell still poses, as well as the looming threat of McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull as they look to close on Mercedes.
“Keep doing what I’m doing,” said Antonelli when asked how he will keep this momentum going. “Of course, we’re going to keep raising that bar because George was extremely quick this weekend.
“We were really neck-and-neck so I just need to keep levelling up and of course, the Ferrari, Red Bull and McLarens, they are definitely coming back so we’re going to keep pushing.
“Next one Monaco, which could be a tricky one, but we’ll try to be ready for everything and I’ll do my best.”
