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Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli has revealed how Lewis Hamilton was supportive of his efforts following the Brackley squad’s decision to promote the young Italian to the seven-time world champion’s seat for 2025.
In the wake of Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari, Mercedes faced a critical decision in selecting his successor.
After weighing various options, team principal Toto Wolff ultimately chose Antonelli, a rising star from Mercedes’ junior ranks, to race alongside George Russell.
Thanks to his rapid ascent, having bypassed Formula 3 entirely and spending just a single season in Formula 2, the 18-year-old is set to become the youngest driver on the grid when he makes his F1 debut next month at the Australian Grand Prix.
Speaking at the Autosport Awards last week, Antonelli expressed his gratitude for Hamilton’s mentorship and warm gestures, which have helped him settle into his new role at the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton’s Words of Encouragement
“He’s been really, really nice to me,” Antonelli said. “You know, he’s been just telling me to enjoy and, of course, to do my best and not worry about the rest.”
Hamilton’s support extended beyond words of encouragement. The British legend, who has spent over a decade with Mercedes, left a personal touch in the team’s motorhome, ensuring his presence would still be felt even after his departure.
“Also, apparently he wrote a nice message in the truck, of Mercedes truck, in the driver room,” Antonelli revealed.
“So I’m really looking forward to read it. And I think it was extremely kind from him. And I still, to be honest, can’t believe I’m going to be sharing the grid with him next year.”
For Antonelli, following in Hamilton’s footsteps at Mercedes is a dream come true given the Briton’s stature in the sport.
“I mean, he’s such a great figure in the sport. He has achieved so much. So I’m really happy for the opportunity I’m getting.”
Not Feeling Like Hamilton’s Replacement
While the Italian is fully aware of the weight of expectations that come with stepping into Hamilton’s seat, he is determined to forge his own path at Mercedes rather than be defined as Hamilton’s replacement.
“First of all, we’ll see in the first race how I feel, also speed-wise and how I adapt as well, but of course, it is a big seat,” Antonelli admitted.
“But I don’t feel like the replacement of Lewis, I just feel like the next Mercedes driver, but it is a big responsibility because I am racing for Mercedes.
“It is a great opportunity and I’ll try to make the best out of it.”
As he gears up for his highly anticipated debut, Antonelli is balancing ambition with realism, acknowledging the level of competition he will face.
“My mindset is going to be the one of going [to Australia] and try to win, but at the same time, you have to be realistic,” he said.
“I’m racing against the other 19 best drivers in the world, so it is not going to be easy, but I am just focused on the work I have to do, trying to do the best job possible, learn as much as possible and see where we end up.”
Building Chemistry with Mercedes
Preparation remains Antonelli’s primary focus as he integrates with the team and builds a working relationship with his race engineer, Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington, who was Hamilton’s trusted engineer throughout his Mercedes tenure.
“I’m just focusing on the day-by-day, on the preparation I have to do with the team, and with [Bonnington],” Antonelli explained. “It is going well and I’m really looking forward to the first race.”
With the backing of Mercedes and the guiding words of Hamilton, Antonelli is stepping into his F1 career with confidence, eager to make his mark in motorsport’s pinnacle category.
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