Kimi Antonelli on Hamilton: If I were to beat him next year? He is a gentleman; he would congratulate me

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In an interview at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, young Formula 2 sensation Kimi Antonelli opened up about his relationship with the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. Set to join Mercedes next year, Antonelli spoke highly of Hamilton’s character and shared how closely he has been observing the F1 icon's driving style and racecraft. With Hamilton making his anticipated move to Ferrari at the end of the season, the Italian prodigy’s excitement to learn from one of the sport’s legends is palpable.

Antonelli, touted as a rising star within the Mercedes junior program, has noticed a similarity in driving style between himself and Hamilton. “His driving style is similar to mine,” Antonelli revealed, adding that both he and Hamilton favor a front-focused car setup. “He doesn’t like to have an understeering car,” he explained, showcasing his understanding of Hamilton's preference for an agile front-end, which enhances precision and control.

This insight not only hints at Antonelli's technical awareness but also his commitment to learning from Hamilton's approach. Reflecting on a recent race, Antonelli said, “In Singapore, I watched the race and learned a lot about his race management, the information he gives the team on the state of the car and the tyres.”

Respect and Admiration for a Champion

Despite the pressure that comes with a potential head-to-head competition next year, Antonelli emphasized the mutual respect between him and Hamilton. “I have a good relationship with him,” he said, describing Hamilton as “a great person, very humble.” Antonelli praised Hamilton’s approachable personality, noting that their conversations on race weekends have been a unique source of mentorship.

Antonelli also commented on Hamilton’s sportsmanship, stating, “If I were to beat him next year? He is a gentleman; he would congratulate me.* This remark not only underscores Hamilton’s supportive nature but also reveals Antonelli’s anticipation for the challenges ahead. It’s a level of confidence and admiration that resonates, as Antonelli acknowledges both the honor and the significance of potentially racing—and even outpacing—the driver who inspired him.

Ready for the Next Chapter

As Antonelli prepares for his future with Mercedes, his experience learning from Hamilton offers a promising glimpse into the young driver’s potential. With humility and a sharp focus on refining his skills, he’s positioning himself as a worthy successor. His words reveal a blend of excitement, ambition, and respect that could serve him well in his upcoming F1 career: “I can’t wait to get back on track to observe so I can learn more to be ready for next year.”*