Kimi Antonelli is certain that his maiden F1 win silenced critics as he identifies his ‘next step’

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Kimi Antonelli is still riding the high of his maiden F1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, asserting that he has now silenced his biggest critics as he looks ahead to the “next step” of his career.

As the only rookie who was handed a drive at one of F1’s ‘big four’ last year, Kimi Antonelli was subjected to massive amounts of pressure as he navigated his very first season in the pinnacle of single-seater motorsport.

There were plenty of calls for Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to loan him out in the midst of the 2025 F1 campaign, but the Austrian executive kept faith in the youngster to step up at the right moments.

A slam dunk from Kimi Antonelli, adding the fastest lap to his pole position and Grand Prix victory in China! ⏱️

Where does this rank in the list of the best maiden Grand Prix victories? 🤔

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The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix marked exactly that, and Antonelli’s victory was topped off by a radio message from Wolff in which he rubbished every critique that the 19-year-old had received last year.

Upon his arrival back to his hometown of Bologna, Antonelli was swarmed by journalists who were keen to get his thoughts on the recently concluded race weekend in China, and he had some stern words for his critics.

• READ MORE: Toto Wolff made a request to Italian journalists after Kimi Antonelli secured his maiden F1 win

Kimi Antonelli says he doesn’t have ‘much left to prove’ after his maiden F1 victory

In a video posted by the Bologna Airport YouTube account, the 19-year-old was asked how it felt to secure his maiden win and claim the title as the second youngest Grand Prix winner in F1 history.

“A weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” Antonelli replied. “I’m more relaxed now, and this result gives me strength and confidence.

“Above all, it gives me confidence in my own potential, so I certainly don’t have much left to prove, because I’ve already made my mark with the first victory.

“Now comes the next step, which is the biggest and the hardest, but I’m sure that if I do everything right, we can achieve it.”

Kimi Antonelli’s win in Shanghai makes him the second youngest Grand Prix winner in F1 history. Will Max Verstappen’s record ever be broken?!

Let us know in the comments below!

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Antonelli then looked ahead to the upcoming race weekend in Japan, which is set to take place after a well-earned weekend off.

The young Italian added, “Last year went well; I felt comfortable at Suzuka, but obviously this year with the new cars it will be much harder.

“It’s very different, but I have to say I’m feeling comfortable with the car at the moment, and every time I get in I feel more confident.

“Now I’m going to enjoy this win, and then at the end of this week I’ll be heading off to Japan.”

• READ MORE: David Coulthard says George Russell now sees Kimi Antonelli as a championship rival, not a teammate

Kimi Antonelli also spoke about his ‘beautiful relationship’ with Lewis Hamilton

Antonelli was also asked about his relationship with Lewis Hamilton, who was one of the first to congratulate the Mercedes star on his first trip to the top step of the podium.

A viral social media post collaged a photo of Antonelli and Hamilton from when the Italian driver was much younger with a picture of them both standing on the podium.

“I believe it is the photo of the year, honestly, the one with Lewis,” Antonelli said in response. “First of all, the enthusiasm he had for me after the victory was really nice of him.

“He has always supported me, ever since he went to Ferrari and I went to Mercedes. So we have a beautiful relationship, and it’s nice, especially with a champion like him.”