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Lewis Hamilton Shines as Kimi Antonelli’s Guiding Light in Challenging F1 Rookie Season

Publisher by Publisher
August 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Lewis Hamilton Shines as Kimi Antonelli’s Guiding Light in Challenging F1 Rookie Season

Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 25, 2025 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli before sprint qualifying REUTERS/Yves Herman

Lewis Hamilton Shines as a Beacon of Support for Kimi Antonelli Amid Turbulent F1 Debut

In a dramatic season filled with highs and lows, Lewis Hamilton has emerged as a guiding light for rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, earning accolades from Mercedes for his unwavering support during a challenging debut in Formula 1. As Antonelli navigates the treacherous waters of his first season, Hamilton’s mentorship has proved invaluable, solidifying his reputation as a “fantastic ally” to the young Italian.

The 18-year-old Antonelli, tasked with the daunting challenge of filling Hamilton’s legendary shoes at Mercedes, has had his share of standout moments, including a thrilling pole position in the Miami Sprint Race and a podium finish in Canada. However, the path has not been smooth. The European leg of the season has seen Antonelli struggle, culminating in a disheartening double Q1 exit in Belgium.

After the disappointing outing at Spa, Antonelli revealed that Hamilton reached out with words of encouragement, urging him to “keep [his] head up” during the tough times. Hamilton, reflecting on Antonelli’s performance, noted, “I wasn’t ready at 18,” but confidently stated that Antonelli “clearly is,” recognizing the immense pressure and expectations that come with racing for a top team.

Mercedes Team Representative and Chief Communications Officer, Bradley Lord, expressed deep appreciation for Hamilton’s mentorship, stating, “I think that’s entirely in character and in line with the Lewis that we’ve known for many, many years.” Lord highlighted Hamilton’s role in supporting Antonelli, especially during the tumultuous conclusion of the previous season. “He’s a fantastic ally for young drivers in the sport and has a great understanding – probably no one has a better understanding of what it means to come into the sport with very high expectations,” Lord emphasized.

As the W16 car has become increasingly challenging to handle, Mercedes has faced substantial hurdles this season. The team’s much-criticized suspension upgrade was deemed ineffective, pushing the limits of Antonelli’s driving skills. Lord acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “We know that a rookie season has ups and downs and it’s full of learning,” further noting that both drivers are grappling with a lack of confidence, exacerbating Antonelli’s struggles.

Despite the setbacks, Lord was adamant that faith in Antonelli’s abilities remains strong within the team. “The car isn’t there, not any doubt or any lack of anything on Kimi’s side, apart from experience that he hasn’t yet got,” he stated. The focus is now on helping Antonelli learn from these experiences rather than getting bogged down by immediate outcomes.

“Our approach is to encourage him to take the learning from these experiences,” Lord said. “For us, the priority is giving him a car with which he can express the talent that we know he’s got.” With full transparency about their situation, the team is committed to supporting Antonelli as he learns to master the complexities of the car and regain his confidence.

As Antonelli continues to face the rigors of his rookie season, the knowledge that he has Hamilton and the entire Mercedes team behind him serves as a crucial source of motivation. “Every human being responds positively to knowing they have the support of their team and the belief of their team,” Lord remarked, reinforcing the importance of solidarity in challenging times.

As Antonelli embarks on this steep learning curve, the support from Hamilton and the Mercedes hierarchy is not just a safety net; it’s a lifeline that could define his future in the sport. With each race, the stakes rise, and the lessons learned will be pivotal in shaping Antonelli’s burgeoning career in Formula 1. The world will be watching as this young talent navigates the trials of a rookie season, bolstered by the unwavering support of one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.

Tags: 2025-formula-1-hungarian-grand-prixAndrea Kimi Antonellijamarr-chases-mercedes-maybachLewis Hamilton
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