MERCEDES POKES FUN AT KIMI ANTONELLI AFTER BAHRAIN GP PODIUM BLUNDER

Mercedes trolled its own championship leader on social media after Kimi Antonelli botched the podium celebration at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Italian rookie, who converted third on the grid into second place behind race winner Max Verstappen, visibly struggled to spray the traditional alcohol-free rosewater during the ceremony. "You'd think he'd have gotten the hang of this by now!" the team posted alongside footage of Antonelli shaking the bottle while Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen soaked each other without issue.

The mishap went viral, with fans noting Bahrain's alcohol-free podium protocol catches drivers off guard compared to the usual champagne. Antonelli's P2 still stretched his championship lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell to 84 points. "Today was the maximum we could have done," he said post-race. "A lot of work to do." The rosewater debacle won't cost him points, but it handed the internet a moment Red Bull—and Verstappen—won't let him forget anytime soon.