Hamilton ‘emotional’ during ‘surreal’ Antonelli experience

Lewis Hamilton has spoken to how "emotional" it was watching Andrea Kimi Antonelli be announced as his successor at Mercedes.

The 18-year-old will step into the seven-time drivers' champion's seat next season, alongside George Russell.

Whilst Hamilton pointed out, unsurprisingly, that he has known for a while, he did admit it was "surreal" having the news "officially" confirmed.

The 39-year-old's Mercedes departure was announced in February, when he was unveiled as a Ferrari driver from 2025 onwards, leading to a whole season as a curtain call to his decorated time with the Brackley-based team.

Together, they have clinched six drivers' titles and eight constructors' championships, which is the most successful stint in F1 history.

"I've known for ages," Hamilton told media including RacingNews365 when asked if it was strange to witness Antonelli's announcement.

"I knew it'd be announced this morning, and I definitely woke up and it was very, very surreal just to have it, at least officially, confirmed my seats going.

"I've held on to it for so long, so it was quite emotional this morning, but [I'm] really, really happy for Kimi [Antonelli] and for this team. I know Kimi is gonna do a great job."

Having recently turned 18 years of age, Antonelli took part in his first FP1 session at the Italian Grand Prix. 

That experience lasted a mere 10 minutes, when a mistake in the final corner saw him spin Russell's W15 into the wall.

However, Hamilton, who was "furious" with his sixth-place qualifying performance at Monza, has been singing the Italian's praises all weekend - and called for people to remember how young Antonelli is.

The 105-time grand prix winner spoke in kind when it was put to him that the F2 driver has said he was not replacing Hamilton, but rather that he was just the next Mercedes F1 driver.

"Yeah, he's a great kid, and he's got a great family around him, good head on his shoulders and he's very talented," Hamilton replied.

"He's gonna do great. I'm really excited for him."