Kimi Antonelli hails Lewis Hamilton 'human' message

Kimi Antonelli has reflected on the note left behind for him in the Mercedes motorhome by Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton departed the Brackley-based squad at the end of the 2024 season, with rookie Antonelli chosen as his successor.

A handwritten note was left behind by Hamilton for Antonelli at Monza last year, as it marked the last time the motorhome would be used until the start of the European leg the following year.

The note contained a welcome message for Antonelli and advice for the 18-year-old as he commenced his F1 journey

Asked about the memo, Antonelli explained that it detailed how Hamilton conducts himself as a person.

“It says a lot about how Lewis is as a person,” the Italian told media, including RacingNews365

“I could see a lot of the human side of Lewis, not only the driver. 

“Reading the message, it filled my heart to receive such a message from such a figure in the sport. 

“He has done so much, and he’s still right there giving his best. He’s one of the best in history.”

Antonelli has enjoyed a relatively positive start to his F1 career, but as he faces a steep learning curve on his rapid rise to the series, he is using Hamilton's message as motivation to navigate the situation.

“To receive such a message is amazing,” Antonelli added. 

“It also contained some advice, and I use it as motivation as well to go out there and do my best, because it doesn't happen every day.”