Mercedes Star Declares Young Driver Kimi Antonelli Deserves Championship

Lewis Hamilton has praised Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli as “massively impressive” and said the 18‑year‑old “deserves to be the champion”, with the world title very much in reach as the United States Grand Prix begins.

Antonelli enters the Austin race holding a 102‑point lead over his teammate George Russell, while Hamilton trails by 111 points. This means the Italian could secure the championship as early as this weekend should he win and his rivals struggle.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for 2025 cleared the way for Antonelli’s early F1 debut, following a stellar karting and junior single‑seater career. He became the first driver in nearly two decades to step straight into a top‑team Formula 1 seat.

When asked about his successor’s title prospects, Hamilton replied: “When I was there I knew who was going to replace me. Kimi had been around the team, following us a lot, especially in my final year. I think it was the right call to give a young, promising driver the chance. He’d shown his talent in lower categories, plus his enthusiasm, charm and good attitude. He always fitted well into the team environment. In his first year, stepping into such a seat with huge expectations is tough for anyone, but he’s handled it superbly. His performances this year have been truly impressive, and he deserves to be champion.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

In his debut season at 18, Antonelli faced a difficult start—prone to mistakes and slower than teammate Russell. However, he has rebounded spectacularly in 2026, securing six pole positions and eight victories across 17 races, highlighted by a stunning win from 19th grid at Monza. No other driver, including his teammate, has claimed more than three wins this year.

He has also stood on the podium in every race except three: Barcelona and Silverstone, where mechanical issues—a battery failure and a shattered wheel shield—hindered his performance, and Baku, where he candidly admitted to “driving like his grandmother.”

When asked for advice for a possible 2026 champion, Hamilton quipped, “Slow down—no, I don’t think he needs any. He’s demonstrated his talent, composure and approach both this year and last, and he’s done an exceptional job. I’m proud of how he carries himself and how he engages with fellow drivers and the media. It’s gratifying to see him and the team thriving; even if he weren’t with my former team, I’d still root for them.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images

Hamilton reflected on whether any aspect of Antonelli’s performance had surprised him. “I don’t think so,” he said. “I already knew the support structure they would bring around him. Race engineer Peter Bonnington (‘Bono’) and trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin (‘Shov’), along with chief engineer Simon Cole and the rest of the crew, provide exceptional backing. Team principal Toto Wolff creates a great environment and assembles a strong support network—something I experienced similarly during my early years at Mercedes and McLaren.”

Ultimately, however, a driver’s on‑track performance under pressure is what matters. “You never truly know how someone will handle pressure until you see them,” Hamilton observed. “I expected him to cope with the scrutiny and media demands, but he has embraced it with maturity; he’s a seasoned mind in a youthful body.”

Source link