'Lewis has always been nice to me' - Antonelli hails 'great person' Hamilton in heartwarming interaction

Kimi Antonelli has hailed Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton as a "great person" during a friendly exchange ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

Mercedes rookie Antonelli, 18, makes his F1 debut this weekend after filling the seat previously held by seven-time World Champion Hamilton, with the Briton opting to move to the Scuderia for 2025.

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Having progressed through the Mercedes junior setup, Antonelli has been able to benefit from Hamilton’s knowledge and working practices, paying close attention to what it takes to operate and succeed at the front of the pack.

Despite now finding themselves in separate garages, it appears that the Hamilton-Antonelli love has not been damaged by the fact they are representing rival teams.

“Lewis has always been nice to me, and also giving me some advice,” said Antonelli in Thursday's press conference ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. “I think you wrote a message in the drivers’ room, so I'm going to be able to see it pretty soon.

“He's always been really nice to me, and I'm really, really grateful for that because it shows that he's not only a great driver but also a great person.”

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Asked about his thoughts of lining up alongside Hamilton on Sunday, he added: “It feels pretty surreal to be able to race with someone such as Lewis. I've been growing up, and also, once I joined Mercedes, have been looking at him and it's been incredibly successful.

“So it feels kind of weird that I'm going be sharing the track with him, but also with Carlos [Sainz], with all the drivers at the end of the day, because when you're used to seeing them on TV, and then finally you're able to share the track with them, it is an incredible feeling.”

Smiling in the press conference while sitting in Ferrari red for the first time on a Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton was quick to voice his pride with regard to Antonelli’s F1 ascent.

“The first reason I was smiling was just looking at this youngster here,” he said, gesturing towards the Italian rookie. “I’m happy for him. He’s doing so well and conducting himself so well.

“Taking that first leap, getting that first opportunity to be in Formula 1, it's so, so special. I know how many years of dedication it would have taken for him. Starting even younger than I did. You’re 18 now, yeah? It’s just exciting to see.”

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