Lewis Hamilton has extended his support to 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, who is facing challenges in his inaugural Formula 1 season. Despite a strong start to the year, Antonelli has encountered difficulties since the European races began, struggling to find form and failing to score in any of the six race weekends held in Europe so far. His best performance came at the Canadian Grand Prix, where he finished third on the podium. However, his recent races have been marked by struggles and a lack of confidence in his driving.
During the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Antonelli expressed frustration over his difficulties with the car, feeling like he has regressed and lacks the necessary confidence to push himself. Hamilton, who also started from the pit lane but managed to secure a seventh-place finish, approached Antonelli post-race to offer words of encouragement. Despite the age gap and their positions in rival teams, Hamilton has shown support for Antonelli, sharing wisdom and experience with the young driver.
Hamilton empathized with Antonelli’s challenges, acknowledging the pressure on the young driver’s shoulders and highlighting the importance of having a strong support system. He praised Antonelli’s efforts and resilience in navigating the demands of Formula 1 at a young age. Moving forward, Hamilton believes that Antonelli, with the guidance of his team and support from individuals like his race engineer Bono, is capable of overcoming the obstacles he faces in his rookie season.
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