Kimi Antonelli, more like the rookie of the season, had a great start at the beginning of the year. He finished five races with points in his first six races, and even got a podium at the Canadian Grand Prix 2025. However, since the last few races, he’s had a nightmare. Consistently finishing outside of the top 10 drivers, and being involved in a crash with Max Verstappen at the Austrian Grand Prix has obviously taken its toll on his mental health.
Just last weekend in Spa, he saw another miserable weekend after failing to advance beyond the first stage of Qualifying for the Sprint and Grand Prix and finishing in 16th place in the main race. Talking to the media after the race, he was visibly emotional and trying to hold back tears. But is it really so bad for a rookie? And not just another rookie, but one of the youngest, as he’s just 18 years old right now.
Well, Lewis Hamilton, the GOAT himself, obviously doesn’t think so. When asked about Kimi Antonelli’s performance so far in F1, he appreciated the rookie and even said that he’s doing “fantastic.” So, what does the seven-time world champion think of our rookie? Let’s see.
Lewis Hamilton Praises Kimi Antonelli
So, as we all know, Lewis Hamilton himself hasn’t been having a good season either. But at Spa, he did show a remarkable comeback and moved up 11 places, starting from P18 to finishing on P7. Speaking of Antonelli’s performance, he said, “I can’t imagine what it’s like at 18, or try to imagine what it’s like at 18 to do what he’s been doing. I think he’s been doing fantastic to be thrown in at the deep end at 18. He didn’t even have his driving licence when he started racing, so I think it’s a lot on someone’s shoulders, and I think he’s doing a great job.”
He acknowledged that he has the best possible team and people around him to guide him. He added, “He’s got a great group of people around him. I think he’s just got to take it in his stride, which I think he is, and as I say, he’s got Bono [Pete Bonnington, Hamilton’s former race engineer] beside him, so he couldn’t have anyone better.”
In short, while Kimi Antonelli’s rookie season hasn’t exactly been a dream come true, Lewis Hamilton’s backing shows that he is on the right path.
Also Read: Hungarian Grand Prix: All About Lewis Hamilton’s Legendary Run
