F1 fans all make the same ‘nonsense’ claim as Kimi Antonelli breaks Lewis Hamilton’s rookie record

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Kimi Antonelli’s rookie season in Formula 1 has made it to the history books, as he breaks a record Lewis Hamilton set 18 years ago.

Hamilton’s debut season in F1 is widely regarded as the greatest of all time from a newcomer. Joining McLaren in 2007, he was instantly on the pace, winning four races and grabbing 12 podiums from 17 races.

Despite this incredible season, he lost the title by one point to Kimi Raikkonen, finishing level on points with McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso. Nevertheless, Hamilton set a record that may never be beaten, as he scored the most podiums from a rookie in a single season.

But one of his 2007 records has now been beaten in 2025, and it was done by none other than his successor at Mercedes. 19-year-old Antonelli replaced Hamilton after he left for Ferrari, and has gone on to score the most points in a season from a rookie.

The Italian has had a difficult season with Mercedes, making several rookie errors and struggling for consistency. However, he is beginning to find his stride, with Antonelli finishing a career-best second in Brazil, confirming him as the highest-scoring rookie in F1 history, currently sitting on 122 points.

F1 fans say it is ‘nonsense’ comparing Kimi Antonelli’s rookie season with Lewis Hamilton’s after breaking points record

Hamilton scored 109 points in 2007 with McLaren, and Antonelli has the chance to extend his record with three races still to go in 2025. But there lies the problem for many F1 fans when it comes to this accomplishment – the two eras are completely different.

Faster cars, a larger points system and a longer calendar have given Antonelli the chance to set the points record. Many fans took to Reddit to say that comparing the seasons is impossible because of these factors.

“Nobody actually thinks Antonelli is anywhere close to where Hamilton was. We know there is a new points system and also more races,” said one fan. Another added: “As always, comparing points across eras and point systems is absolutely…..pointless.”

Many pointed out that Hamilton was more successful in 2007, with 12 podiums compared to Antonelli’s two in 2025: “Lewis’ debut was sensational. It’s probably the one F1 record that might never get beaten,” wrote one user.

Another added: “Plus Hamilton outpaced his teammate and 2x WDC defending/reigning champ. Kimi isn’t anywhere close to George. In fact, he has less than half of George’s tally (not even a WDC)”

“People who think that Kimi did a better rookie season than Lewis: ‘My friend got 9/10 at his test, but I’m a better student because I got 11/20, and 11 is greater than 9!” posted another fan.

Finally, one fan said: “It’s a nonsense to compare different point system without conversion, so yeah, their points are really far apart.”

READ MORE: Know all about 2025 Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli including stats

How Kimi Antonelli’s rookie season compares to Lewis Hamilton’s when points systems and calendars are converted

It is difficult to compare Antonelli and Hamilton’s rookie seasons. While the Mercedes W16 is quicker than the McLaren MP4-22, the latter was a championship contender, whereas the former has been around about the third or fourth-fastest, winning two races at the hands of George Russell.

Furthermore, Antonelli has had more races and more points on offer to secure the record. Hamilton had 17 races in 2007 and 10 points per win, whereas Antonelli has 24 races and six Sprints this season – he gets 25 points for a Grand Prix win and eight for a Sprint win.

If one were to properly compare the two seasons, they would have to convert the point systems and races appropriately, and it would paint a telling picture about just how good Hamilton’s 2007 campaign was.

If one were to take Antonelli’s first 17 races of 2025 and use the 2007 points system, he would have scored 28 points. Even if one used all of his races up until the Brazilian Grand Prix (43), he still would not have beaten Hamilton’s 2007 tally.

Likewise, if one were to use Hamilton’s results with the 2025 points system, he would have scored 265 points, and that is not including seven extra races that Antonelli will have this year.