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“I Thought It Was a Shark”: Kimi Antonelli Reveals His Miami Scare That Was Caused by a Duck

Somin Bhattacharjee
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli (ITA) - Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team - Mercedes W16 - Mercedes E Performance during Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2025 at Miami International Autodrome

With F1 currently in Miami—one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world—George Russell and Kimi Antonelli decided to spend some time sightseeing around the city. As part of Mercedes’ promotional activity, the two drove around Miami in the AMG SL 63, which has a retail value between $113k and $208k.

They spoke about a variety of things, but one moment that stood out was Russell revealing how he heard about a predator lurking near the beaches of Miami.

“I woke up this morning at like six, because of a bit of jet lag, and it was just so nice seeing the sunrise—and then there was a shark in the water yesterday,” Russell said earlier today in a video posted on Mercedes’ YouTube channel.

At popular beaches, when there’s a shark or any danger that could harm people, the area is usually closed off temporarily until the threat disperses or authorities take appropriate safety measures. Antonelli, however, decided to go surfing on the very day there was a shark warning.

Presumably, the Italian driver had visited the beach, either before the shark had appeared or before news of its sighting became public. Or perhaps he was just too “brave” as Russell suggested in the segment.

Antonelli shared, “I did wake surfing in the sea… And honestly, I was a bit nervous.”

“In the sea, I was like… I fell off the board and I see this thing on the water. And I got so scared. I thought it was like a shark or something. But in the end, it was a duck,” the 18-year-old added.

“But I could just, in the moment, I could just see its head. I didn’t realize it was a duck,” he said, as Russell let out a laugh.

Thankfully for Antonelli, it turned out to be just a duck and not a shark—something that could have genuinely put his life in danger. Nevertheless, if he did go for a surfing session despite a warning being issued, it’s something Mercedes would likely review closely to avoid a similar scare in the future.

Now that the dangers of the water are well and truly behind him, the rookie can focus on what could turn out to be the biggest race of his career so far.

After getting a sprint pole earlier this weekend, which he failed to convert into a win, Antonelli is eager to secure a top result in the Grand Prix. With a P3 starting slot on the grid, the Italian is in a good position to grab his first-ever career podium.

Post Edited By:Aishwary Gaonkar

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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