As Formula 1 prepares for a new era, one of the most anticipated debuts in recent years is that of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the young Italian driver set to join the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team for the 2025 season. Stepping into the seat once occupied by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is no small feat, but Antonelli has revealed that the legendary driver has already offered him crucial advice to navigate his rookie year successfully.
Hamilton’s Words of Wisdom
Antonelli, who has been part of Mercedes’ junior driver program since 2018, has spent years developing his skills under the watchful eye of the team. As he prepares to make his F1 debut, he has leaned on Hamilton’s experience to understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level of motorsport.
According to Antonelli, Hamilton advised him to focus on consistency and self-improvement rather than chasing immediate results. The British driver emphasized the importance of patience, reminding Antonelli that adaptation to Formula 1 takes time and that the best approach is to learn from every session, race, and challenge.
“Lewis told me not to put too much pressure on myself in the beginning,” Antonelli said in a recent interview. “He reminded me that every great driver, including himself, had a learning curve in F1. His advice was to trust the process, listen to the team, and enjoy the journey.”
Handling Pressure and Public Expectations
Stepping into the shoes of a legend like Hamilton comes with enormous pressure. However, the 18-year-old Antonelli seems well aware of the challenges ahead and has taken Hamilton’s advice to heart.
“Lewis told me to avoid getting distracted by social media and outside noise,” Antonelli revealed. “He said that when you’re in F1, there are always opinions—some positive, some negative—but what really matters is your own belief in yourself and the work you put in with your team.”
Hamilton, who has been an advocate for mental resilience throughout his career, highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong support system. “He told me to keep my close circle tight, rely on the people I trust, and not let criticism shake my confidence. That’s something I will carry with me as I start my F1 journey.”
Antonelli’s Journey to Formula 1
Antonelli’s rise through the motorsport ranks has been nothing short of impressive. A dominant force in karting, he transitioned to single-seaters and quickly made a name for himself in junior categories. He won the Formula 4 Italian and ADAC championships in 2022, followed by strong performances in Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) and FIA Formula 2.
With Mercedes choosing him as Hamilton’s successor, many expect Antonelli to be the next big star in Formula 1. Team Principal Toto Wolff has expressed great confidence in his abilities, stating that Antonelli has the talent, discipline, and mindset required to thrive in the sport.
“Of course, replacing someone like Lewis is never easy,” Antonelli admitted. “But the way I see it, I’m not here to replace him—I’m here to start my own journey and make the most of this opportunity.”
What Lies Ahead for Antonelli in 2025?
With pre-season testing for the 2025 season just months away, Antonelli is already deep into preparations for his debut. He has spent time at the Mercedes factory, working on the simulator and engaging with the engineers to understand the complexities of an F1 car.
While his first season will undoubtedly be a learning experience, many in the paddock believe Antonelli has the potential to become a future world champion. Armed with Hamilton’s advice and Mercedes’ full backing, the young Italian is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in his career.
“I know it’s going to be a big challenge, but that’s what makes it exciting,” Antonelli said. “I just want to take it one step at a time and make sure I keep improving every single race.”
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kimi Antonelli to see if he can live up to the expectations and make an impact in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
