Kimi Antonelli has earned the respect of many big names within Formula 1, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. However, it is not to be expected that the duo of multi-champions will make the fight for the 2026 season title any easier.
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The Italian secured his fourth consecutive victory in the championship at last Sunday’s Canadian GP, increasing his lead at the top of the standings to 43 points. He also shared the podium with Ferrari’s seven-time world champion and Red Bull’s four-time world champion.
When the already world champions were asked what advice they would give to the 19-year-old driver, Hamilton immediately replied, “I think you forget that we are competitors. He is already doing a great job. I’m not going to give him any more tips,” along with a laugh.
“I think, personally, 2007 was the year I was really fighting for the title. It was a lot. I was a bit older than you, I was 22. I think things were different back then. I don’t believe I had the same support system he has today, for example, in the environment I worked and competed in,” he continued.
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“Toto did a great job surrounding you with the right people to provide support, and I definitely didn’t feel that. The team was nice and all, but there weren’t the right elements around to support you, help maintain stability, and guide you. And it was quite intense, especially in my first year. But I wouldn’t change that for anything in the world,” he added.
While Lewis was more reflective in his response, Verstappen opted for something more direct. “I mean, he’s clearly doing a great job. And, of course, a championship is long and is won by being consistent, without making mistakes. But he knows that, so every weekend you just have to try to maximize everything, try to be better than your teammate, and then I’m sure he’ll have a good chance,” he said.
“But there’s still a long way to go. What he’s doing now is working very well,” he concluded.
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