Kimi Antonelli reveals the advice ‘really cool’ Lewis Hamilton has been giving him just before F1 races

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli had big shoes to fill ahead of his rookie season with Mercedes as he replaced a seven-time Formula 1 world champion in the form of Lewis Hamilton. The 19-year-old has revealed how the Ferrari driver has aided him in his maiden campaign.

Antonelli has had a rollercoaster of a rookie season in the pinnacle of motorsport.

He secured a maiden podium at the Canadian Grand Prix in June, as well as a pole position for the Miami Sprint race, but has also shown his inexperience through several costly mistakes.

A debate over the readiness of the Mercedes driver has been prevalent as the current term has progressed.

Max Verstappen’s links to Mercedes threatened Antonelli’s seat, but the rumours have quietened down after the Dutchman declared his future intention to see out another year with Red Bull.

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Kimi Antonelli reveals what Lewis Hamilton has been telling him ahead of Formula 1 races

In a bid to get on par with his often overachieving teammate George Russell, Antonelli has found an ally in the German constructors’ most successful driver.

Speaking to L’Equipe, the Mercedes driver was asked if he has received any help from Hamilton and Verstappen during his maiden campaign, to which he replied, “They have been welcoming, really open with us, the rookies.

“And, sometimes even, they give us some advice. Lewis, I always speak with him during the Drivers Parade. He is a really cool guy; I got to know him better at the end of last year when I was coming to the races with the team.

“Max, he is assuredly someone I look at as a model. They are drivers that I have admired since childhood.”

Then asked what sort of advice he’s received from his predecessor at Mercedes, Antonelli revealed, “To try not to listen to what is said about me, to concentrate on myself, to choose the right people around me, to work in the best environment.”

The seven-time world champion has been vocal about the 2025 F1 rookie class in the past, with Hamilton expressing his excitement about racing against Isack Hadjar at the Dutch GP.

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Kimi Antonelli’s result in Baku put rumours of Mercedes replacing him to bed

Antonelli’s fourth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend was his best finish since his appearance on the podium at Montreal.

Before racing commenced at Baku, there were talks of Antonelli potentially being replaced by Carlos Sainz at Mercedes, given his difficulties in producing consistent results.

However, the 19-year-old was in fine form on the streets of Baku, outqualifying Russell for the second time this season on a circuit that is notoriously difficult to stay out of the barriers on, seen through the record six red flags that were brought out during qualifying.

Following the chequered flag in Baku, Ralf Schumacher believes Antonelli squashed all links of Sainz stealing his seat at the Silver Arrows.

The Mercedes driver is currently the highest-placed rookie in the F1 standings, sitting in seventh place behind the usual front-runners.

His position is far from safe, however, with Williams’ Alex Albon occupying the spot below him with an eight-point deficit.

Another result this weekend in Singapore will surely add to the confidence he gained from Baku, but when considering it is his first appearance under the humid lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, it may be a tall order.