Antonelli: Advantage doesn't mean I can relax.

      In Montreal, Kimi Antonelli was lucky, he achieved his fourth consecutive victory, while George Russell, his teammate and main rival, retired due to a car problem. However, the Italian Mercedes driver stated after the finish that he didn't really want to win...

      Question: Kimi, your streak of excellent performances continues – congratulations on another victory! Tell us, what emotions are you experiencing right now…

      Kimi Antonelli: Of course, it's nice to finish the weekend so successfully, although I didn't really want to win. The battle with George Russell was very intense, and I think it would have continued until the very finish. But, of course, we accept this result – this time it worked out well for me, and he was unlucky. However, next time it could be the other way around.

      So we just have to continue to fully take advantage of every opportunity that arises, but now we need to move on.

      Question: What can you say about the race tactics – how could it have played out? Who should have gone to the pit stop first – you or George?

      Kimi Antonelli: I think towards the end of the first stint I had a slight pace advantage. In my opinion, he was faster at the start of the race, but then his tires were a bit more prone to degradation, although the battle was practically even.

      It’s certainly unfortunate that he had technical problems, because, as I said, this sharp duel could have continued until the end of the race. It would have been interesting to see how it would have ended in that case, although it’s hard to say for sure.

      Question: Tell us more about this duel. George already said he enjoyed it a lot, what are your impressions?

      Kimi Antonelli: Yes, the fight was very intense. I think a couple of times it was on the edge, but we both attacked and both wanted to win. I think everyone who watched the race enjoyed it. It was definitely a lot of fun!..

      Question: The Mercedes team brought a large package of technical innovations to Canada – what can you say about their effectiveness?

      Kimi Antonelli: To be honest, we can't say for sure yet, because the tires are behaving very strangely this weekend. It was very difficult to get them to the right working temperature, and I think that became an important factor. I think after a few more races we will have a clearer picture.

      Question: There is still a long way to go until the end of the season, but your lead has already reached 43 points, which is more than the gap last year between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Do you think you have the opportunity to take a breather?

      Kimi Antonelli: Yes, although to be honest, I'm not thinking about the championship right now. I’m just focusing on each race individually. Of course, now I have this advantage, but that doesn’t mean I can relax. On the contrary, I need to raise the bar because it won't get easier for me, and the competitors are getting closer. George is also a very fast driver.

      In general, I will definitely try to fully concentrate on my work and enjoy the races – while trying to show the highest speeds possible.

      Question: There is a lot of talk about the technical regulations and power units right now. What do you think about these engines, about the hybrid systems – have you already adapted to their features?

      Kimi Antonelli: I think so, although sometimes I still have to think about how all these systems work. But definitely, if we talk about the amendments made to the regulations, they simplify our lives a bit. I think it’s much easier to chase on these cars than it was last year.

      Since you can really get much closer to the competitor's car, racing on the track has become more interesting. Speaking of the power unit, I definitely have nothing to complain about – the team did a great job, and the same goes for the chassis.

      However, I believe there is still a lot of work to be done with the power units, and it will be interesting to follow the development of the situation over the next two years – if the regulations are adjusted, if a decision is made to make internal combustion engines more powerful while reducing the power of the electric component.

      I think this will be another step in the right direction. But, in my opinion, a lot has already been done. All systems are already working better than at the start of the season, and I also feel that I can drive in a more natural manner compared to, for example, Melbourne.

      Question: What can you say about the start moment, how difficult was it to achieve effective front tire performance, and how did you react when you saw that the McLaren drivers were going to start on intermediate tires?

      Kimi Antonelli: Yes, it was very difficult because the rain started to drizzle a bit more heavily. It was clear that the asphalt was getting wetter, but we were confident that it wouldn't last long and that we could manage. So, of course, we preferred to start on slicks.

      Of course, I was surprised when I saw that the McLaren drivers were starting on intermediate tires, as it was a big risk. Although if the rain had intensified, they would have had an advantage. But it turned out differently. Overall, it was not the best decision.

      But the start was tough, primarily because it was easy to lock up the brakes. Attacking the curbs in the first few laps was also unsafe. However, after a few laps, the track was completely dry, and we could race normally.