Lewis Hamilton offers encouraging words to Andrea Kimi Antonelli ahead of Belgian GP
Lewis Hamilton Encourages Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli After Tough Weekend at Belgian GP
The Belgian Grand Prix weekend brought an uplifting moment for Mercedes' newest Formula 1 recruit, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton paid him a visit to deliver words of encouragement after a challenging start to the race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.
Antonelli, an 18-year-old Italian prodigy, faced a tough Saturday after being knocked out in Q1 during qualifying. Clearly distressed by the setback, the rookie revealed to media that Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari after a storied career with Mercedes, took time to inspire him in what has been an overwhelming debut season.
"He came to say hi to the team, and definitely we had a couple of words," Antonelli shared. "He told me to keep my head up, that it's normal to have bad weekends, and just to keep believing. It was really nice for me."
Antonelli's maiden F1 season, which began on a high note with a podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix in June, has since presented its fair share of challenges. The teenager acknowledged that the promising momentum has "taken a backwards step" in recent races, further underscoring the weight of Hamilton’s supportive words.
Balancing F1 Pressure and Teenage Life
Antonelli’s transition into Formula 1 has also involved balancing the unique pressures of an elite racing career with the everyday realities of life as a teenager. As he navigates the complexities of one of the world’s most competitive sports, he’s also been juggling school exams—a task his mother ensured he completed before fully committing to motorsport.
The rising star's arrival at Mercedes placed him in the shadow of Hamilton’s extraordinary legacy at the team. During Hamilton’s tenure from 2013 to 2024, the Brit captured six World Championships with Mercedes, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Hamilton Reflects on Antonelli’s Journey
Hamilton, now 40, endured a challenging week himself at Spa, finishing seventh in a race where Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc secured a podium finish. Nonetheless, his admiration for his successor was apparent when speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Belgian GP.
"I can't imagine what it's like to be doing what he's doing," Hamilton said, reflecting on Antonelli’s precocious entry into Formula 1. "I think he's been doing fantastic. To be thrown in the deep end at 18 is … he didn’t even have a driving licence when he first started racing.
"I think it’s a lot on someone’s shoulders, and I think he’s doing a great job. And he’s got a great group of people around him. He’s got Bono [Hamilton's former race engineer Peter Bonnington] by his side—he couldn’t have had anyone better."
Nurturing Young Talent
While Antonelli continues to find his footing during his rookie campaign, Hamilton’s pep talk serves as a reminder of the resilience that’s required to thrive in Formula 1. For Mercedes, nurturing young talent like Antonelli represents an opportunity to build for the future while respecting the legacy left behind by one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
Other Highlights from Spa-Francorchamps
This weekend at Spa-Francorchamps also delivered headline-grabbing performances elsewhere, with Oscar Piastri clinching victory and extending his championship lead, while McLaren secured an impressive 1-2 finish. As Formula 1 fans celebrate the season's highs and lows, moments like Hamilton's support for Antonelli highlight the human side of the sport amid the relentless pursuit of success.
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