Hamilton Defends Kimi Antonelli Amidst Recent Struggles
Lewis Hamilton has defended his Mercedes replacement, Kimi Antonelli, following the Italian teenager's recent dip in Formula 1 performance. Despite a strong start to his debut season, Antonelli has faced a challenging period, prompting words of encouragement from the seven-time world champion.
Why it matters
Antonelli, a highly touted future star, is navigating the immense pressure of his rookie F1 season. His struggles highlight the difficulties young drivers face, especially with a suboptimal car. Support from figures like Hamilton and advice from former champions like Nico Rosberg are crucial for his development.
The details
- Season So Far: Antonelli, turning 19 in August, began impressively, securing top-six finishes in five of his first six Grands Prix. He also achieved a maiden podium in Canada and pole position in Miami Sprint Qualifying.
- Recent Performance: Since Canada, Antonelli has scored points in just one of seven races. His struggles were visible at the Belgian GP, where he appeared emotional after a Q1 exit and finished 16th.
- Hamilton's Support: Lewis Hamilton visited Antonelli privately at Spa. He emphasized the immense pressure on an 18-year-old in F1, stating, "He's been doing fantastically" and "He's doing a great job." Hamilton also noted Antonelli has "Bono" (Peter Bonnington) as his race engineer, calling him the best support.
- Mercedes' Perspective: Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes' head of trackside engineering, linked Antonelli's struggles partly to a "difficult car." He explained that George Russell's experience helps him manage it better, while Antonelli, as a rookie, is more affected. Shovlin believes improving the car for Russell will significantly benefit Antonelli.
- Rosberg's Advice: Former world champion Nico Rosberg suggested confirming Antonelli's 2026 contract now to provide needed confidence and stability. Rosberg called Antonelli a "generational talent" comparable to Max Verstappen and Hamilton, stressing the importance of his mental state.
What's next
The F1 paddock heads to the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the summer break. Antonelli will aim to regain early-season form. The team faces pressure to deliver a more competitive package.
