Lewis Hamilton extended support to young driver Kimi Antonelli, offering comfort during the challenging start to his Formula 1 debut season. Antonelli, despite a strong beginning, has faced difficulties in the European races, failing to score in any of the six events held so far and encountering issues in most of them.
The 18-year-old struggled to find form, with poor finishes in Monaco and the recent Belgian Grand Prix where he ended up in 16th place. Despite these struggles, Antonelli managed to secure his first podium in the Canadian Grand Prix amidst the tough European season, showing a glimpse of his potential.
Expressing his frustration, Antonelli admitted to lacking confidence in his driving performance, leading to further setbacks on the track. Despite starting from the pit lane with new engine components at the Belgian Grand Prix, he failed to make significant progress, finishing far from the points-paying positions.
In contrast, Hamilton, who also started from the pit lane, showcased a remarkable performance in his Ferrari, finishing seventh and notably outpacing Antonelli. Despite being competitors on the track, Hamilton approached Antonelli after the race to offer him words of encouragement and support.
Hamilton, reflecting on Antonelli’s challenges, emphasized the pressure faced by the young driver at just 18 years old. However, he commended Antonelli’s efforts and highlighted the importance of having a strong support system, including the presence of experienced professionals like his former Mercedes race engineer, Peter Bonnington.
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Hamilton’s gesture of support towards Antonelli underscores the camaraderie and sportsmanship within the competitive world of Formula 1, where seasoned drivers offer guidance and encouragement to emerging talents facing challenges on the track.