Kimi Antonelli Honors Jim Clark with Thumbs-Up Celebration After Historic Win
Shanghai, China – Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, celebrated his first Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix by recreating a legendary moment in motorsport history: Jim Clark’s iconic thumbs-up gesture. The celebration was a promise kept to Motorsport.com’s Italian reporter, Roberto Chinchero.
A Promise Made, A Promise Kept
During a conversation before the race, Antonelli was shown a photograph of Jim Clark giving a thumbs-up after winning the 1967 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. He pledged to emulate the gesture if he secured a win in one of the first two races of the season. After finishing second in Australia, Antonelli made good on his word in Shanghai.
The Celebration
As Antonelli crossed the finish line in Shanghai, he raised his thumb in a clear tribute to Clark, a gesture that has become synonymous with the British racing legend. “Did you see? You thought I would forget, right?” Antonelli remarked, acknowledging the pre-race commitment. “I kept my word, and now we can say it… it was a good thing.”
A Moment of Reflection at an Italian Hotspot
The story originated at an Italian restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, a popular gathering place for the F1 community. Antonelli was dining alongside Franco Colapinto, who was with Argentinian friends, discussing the upcoming season and expectations for their respective teams. The restaurant has become a hotspot for the F1 Italian-speaking community.
Antonelli’s Rising Star
The 19-year-old Antonelli has quickly established himself as a formidable competitor in Formula 1. His win in China follows a second-place finish in Australia, where he overcame a crash in Free Practice 3 that required a two-hour repair job by his mechanics, whom he praised as “heroes.” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff noted that Antonelli is “learning Formula 1 the hard way,” but is becoming stronger as a result.
Concerns Over Starting Line Safety
The Australian Grand Prix too highlighted concerns about safety on the starting grid. Franco Colapinto had a near-miss with Liam Lawson, prompting discussions among drivers about the potential for a more serious incident due to the complexity of the 2026 cars’ power units and increased acceleration speeds.
Looking Ahead
Kimi Antonelli’s victory in China marks a significant milestone in his young career and demonstrates his potential to become a leading figure in Formula 1. His respect for racing history, combined with his talent and determination, positions him as a driver to watch in the seasons to come.