Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, was caught in a heartwarming moment after young Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole position in Miami. The Formula 1 star expressed his admiration for Antonelli, highlighting the role of his former engineer, Bono, in the achievement.
Hamilton took to Instagram to shower Antonelli with praise, acknowledging the impressive feat of the 18-year-old driver. In an interview with the official Formula 1 website, Hamilton revealed the emotions behind his public display of support for the talented Italian.
The British racing icon shared, “I posted on social media because I saw the video where there was Bono and Toto. And it genuinely warmed my heart.” Hamilton emphasized the importance of silencing critics and overcoming doubts, especially regarding Antonelli’s experience level, with the pole position victory.
Despite his success, Hamilton refrained from giving specific advice to Kimi, his successor at Mercedes, opting instead to appreciate the underdog story unfolding in the racing world. The seasoned driver commended Antonelli’s performance and urged him to stay focused and enjoy the journey.
The bond between Hamilton and Antonelli runs deep, with the young driver being a product of the Mercedes driver development program since 2018. Antonelli’s close association with Hamilton over the years has provided him with valuable insights into the world of Formula 1 and the dedication required to succeed at the highest level.
