Kimi Antonelli Recreates Iconic Jim Clark Thumbs-Up Celebration

The 19-year-old Mercedes driver kept his promise to celebrate his first F1 win like the legendary Scotsman.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver, recreated Jim Clark's iconic thumbs-up celebration after winning his first Formula 1 race in China. Antonelli had promised an Italian reporter that he would do the celebration if he won one of the first two races of the season, and he kept his word, raising his thumb as he crossed the finish line.

Why it matters

Antonelli's gesture was a nod to one of the most legendary moments in F1 history. Clark's thumbs-up celebration after winning the 1967 United States Grand despite a near-failure of his Lotus 49's suspension has become an enduring image in the sport. Antonelli's recreation of this celebration not only paid homage to the past but also showed his own maturity and commitment to the sport.

The details

Antonelli had arranged to meet the reporter at an Italian restaurant in Melbourne before the season started. During their conversation, the reporter suggested that if Antonelli won one of the first two races, he should celebrate like Jim Clark did in 1967 at Watkins Glen. Antonelli agreed, and true to his word, he raised his thumb as he crossed the finish line to take his maiden F1 victory in China, despite a hair-raising lock-up in the closing laps.

  • Antonelli met with the reporter in Melbourne before the season started.
  • Antonelli won his first F1 race in China on March 17, 2026.

The players

Kimi Antonelli

A 19-year-old Mercedes driver who won his first Formula 1 race in China, recreating Jim Clark's iconic thumbs-up celebration.

Jim Clark

A legendary Scottish racing driver who won the 1967 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen despite a near-failure of his Lotus 49's suspension, celebrating with a famous thumbs-up gesture.

Roberto Chinchero

A Motorsport.com reporter who met with Antonelli in Melbourne and suggested the thumbs-up celebration.

George Russell

Antonelli's Mercedes teammate, who finished second behind him in the Australian Grand Prix.

Colin Chapman

The legendary founder of Lotus, the team for which Jim Clark drove in 1967.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you win one of the first two races, you have to celebrate like Jim Clark.”

— Roberto Chinchero, Motorsport.com reporter

“Okay, I like the idea. If I win one of the first two races, I'll do it.”

— Kimi Antonelli

“Did you see that? You thought I'd forgotten, didn't you?”

— Kimi Antonelli

“I kept my word, and now we can say it... it was a good omen.”

— Kimi Antonelli

What’s next

Antonelli will look to build on his maiden victory and challenge for the Formula 1 world championship in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

Antonelli's recreation of Jim Clark's iconic thumbs-up celebration not only paid homage to one of the sport's greatest moments but also demonstrated the young driver's maturity, commitment, and respect for the history of Formula 1.