Kimi Antonelli’s seven-word claim on Lewis Hamilton says it all about Mercedes star

Kimi Antonelli has revealed that Lewis Hamilton has been giving him "support" as he prepares to take the leap to drive for Mercedes in Formula 1 next season. The British icon will be heading to Ferrari next year after signing a surprise contract earlier in the 2024 season, leaving a spot open for the 18-year-old Italian at Mercedes.

It was then announced that Antonelli will be stepping up to F1 in the 2025 season, partnering with George Russell at Mercedes as Hamilton heads off to Ferrari. Antonelli got his first taste of F1 as he drove George Russell's car during the first practice session at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza in August. His debut didn't get off to the best of starts, however, as he crashed in the opening 10 minutes.

Despite the incident drawing criticism and reaction, Antonelli is adamant that he feels ready to deal with the pressure that F1 will bring - and claims that Hamilton has been a great person to help him settle into the role.

"He’s a really great guy," the young driver said, and he crucially added: "He has been giving me some support. So, yeah, really happy." The support from Hamilton to the teenager showcases the athlete's humility in bringing some of the newer faces into the sport he has dominated for so long.

Antonelli also claimed he is not at Mercedes to "replace" Hamilton, given the amount of achievements the Englishman has in the sport - insisting he is just the "next driver" for the team. He said: "I think it’s not possible to replace Lewis Hamilton.

"He’s such a great figure in the sport of today, and he has achieved so much in his career, so I don’t want to [be seen] as his replacement – I’m just the next driver for Mercedes in ’25, so I’m really excited for that."

Ahead of the 2025 season, Antonelli will continue to participate in Mercedes' private test programme alongside competing in Formula 2 - where he currently sits in sixth place.

Coincidentally, Hamilton is also sixth in the standings in F1, with two wins and four podiums under his belt this season so far. The Mercedes team is currently fourth in the table, behind McLaren, Red Bull and Hamilton's new team, Ferrari, with partner Russell claiming one win and three podiums so far this season.

Can the 18-year-old handle the pressure of competing in F1 and bring Championship glory back to Mercedes alongside Russell? Only time will tell, and it looks like Hamilton will be teaching Antonelli all he knows before switching to Ferrari next season.