Lewis Hamilton Defends Kimi Antonelli Amidst F1 Performance Struggles

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has publicly defended young driver Kimi Antonelli after the Italian faced a challenging performance at the recent Belgian Grand Prix. Hamilton's comments came in light of Antonelli's struggles during his debut season in Formula 1, where he has shown both promise and pressure in equal measure.

Kimi Antonelli, who joined the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team in 2025, began his F1 career with considerable expectations following a successful season in Formula 2. Early in the season, Antonelli secured five points finishes in his first six races, including a notable podium in Canada. However, recent events have seen a downturn in his results, notably a collision with reigning champion Max Verstappen during the opening lap of the Austrian Grand Prix and multiple non-scoring finishes, including a disappointing performance in Great Britain.

The Belgian Grand Prix further compounded Antonelli's challenges, as he failed to progress beyond the initial qualifying stages. This setback left him visibly emotional, highlighting the pressures that come with being an 18-year-old rookie in a highly competitive environment. Antonelli’s struggles are not entirely new; he had previously faced difficulties during practice sessions, including a crash during his F1 practice debut at the Italian Grand Prix last year. Additionally, he admitted to experiencing burnout ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, exacerbating the pressures he felt leading into his home race.

Hamilton, who also faced difficulties in Belgium but managed to recover to finish seventh, empathized with Antonelli's situation during a post-race interview. “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,” Hamilton stated in an interview with Sky Sports F1. He praised Antonelli's resilience and acknowledged the significant responsibility on his shoulders, especially considering he was still without a driving license when he started racing.

Hamilton further emphasized the importance of Antonelli’s support system, stating, “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.” This sentiment underscores the critical role mentorship and guidance play in the development of young drivers in the sport.

The Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve, with increasing scrutiny on rookie drivers as they navigate the transition from junior categories to the top tier of motorsport. Antonelli’s experiences reflect a broader narrative within the sport, where young talents are thrust into the limelight at a remarkably early age, often facing immense pressure to perform.

As the season progresses, the implications of Antonelli's performance and Hamilton's support may set the tone for how young drivers manage expectations in Formula 1. Observers will be keen to see how Antonelli bounces back from his recent challenges and whether he can regain the form that initially made him a promising talent in the sport. The upcoming races will be critical for both his career trajectory and the continued evolution of Mercedes as they support their emerging star in this high-stakes environment.