Hamilton ‘really excited’ to see Antonelli’s progress as he encourages youngster to ‘have fun’ during FP1 debut

Lewis Hamilton believes Kimi Antonelli would be the right choice as a driver for Mercedes going forwards, with the seven-time world champion “really excited” to see the teenager’s progress amid his debut FP1 appearance at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

Antonelli’s name has regularly come up in the conversation over who could fill Ferrari-bound Hamilton’s seat at the Silver Arrows in 2025, the youngster having enjoyed an eye-catching ascent through the junior motorsport ranks.

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Currently competing in his first F2 campaign after bypassing Formula 3, Antonelli will hit another milestone this weekend when he gets behind the wheel of a 2024 Mercedes F1 car during Friday’s first practice session.

Asked for his thoughts on Antonelli ahead of the 18-year-old’s FP1 debut, Hamilton reiterated his belief that the youngster deserves an opportunity in Formula 1 as he shared his excitement at seeing how he can progress going forward.

“I said a long time ago that I think that’s who the team should choose moving forwards,” Hamilton explained. “Time will tell what they end up deciding to do. He’s one of those young, super-talented kids that’s come through, he’s a young adult now but he’s only 18.

“I think it would be good for people to remember he is just turning 18. He’s got a bright future ahead of him, and I’m really excited to see and watch his progress.

“I saw a picture earlier on of us back in, I think, 2018 and he was one of the grid kids and I’m shaking his hand at the front of the grid! It reminds you of how old you are when you have those experiences! But [I’m] looking forward to seeing his growth and his journey through into Formula 1.”

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In terms of why he feels that Antonelli would be the right choice for the team, Hamilton reflected on his own debut with McLaren back in 2007 as an example of the benefits that can sometimes come with opting for a young driver.

“We’ve been watching him through the different formulas,” the 39-year-old said. “We are starting to see a lot of younger drivers coming through, and I think we’re just in that time where there’s only 20 seats and I think it’s time.

“We’re starting to see this new wave come through. In terms of taking on another driver that’s had many, many years of experience as opposed to giving an opportunity to a youngster… That’s what McLaren did for me and it worked out well.

“It’s just an opportunity for him to grow. He would get to work with the best in class, learn from people that I’ve worked with for many years. It is a lot of weight on someone’s shoulders but, as I said, it’s a great environment and I think they will be able to nurture him and carry him through it.

“But there are other really good options, so you would have to ask Toto [Wolff] which one he’s leaning towards.”

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For now Antonelli’s focus will be on his first practice outing at Monza. Asked if having a rookie behind the wheel of the W15 could be useful in regards to it bringing fresh feedback for the team, Hamilton responded: “We’ll find out tomorrow. It’s definitely always good having more input.

“For Kimi tomorrow it’s about enjoying yourself and having fun. This is going to be an amazing experience for him. He’s obviously already tested the old car, but tomorrow is going to be the first time I believe he’s tested the new car, which is so much nicer than the 2022 car.

“He’s going to be all smiles tomorrow, for sure, it’s a drastic difference! And the more information and the more input we get the better. I don’t know what to expect [with] what he’s going to come back with, but we’ll definitely take it in.”

George Russell – who will be handing over his car to Antonelli for FP1 – has also shared words of support for the Italian ahead of his running on Friday.

“I never drove FP1 for Mercedes, but I drove my very first one for Force India in 2017 in Sao Paulo,” the Briton commented. “It was extremely challenging because suddenly there’s a lot of cameras on you, a lot of attention. You’re so excited but you also don’t want to make a mistake.

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“You’re driving another car but you want to prove your speed and prove something. Kimi’s done many days’ testing for Mercedes already – I think over 10 or 12 days, maybe more – so he’s got great preparation.

“For sure it’s going to be a big challenge, but he just needs to enjoy it. He’s a really great driver and what a dream for him to have his first FP1 in Monza."