Kimi Antonelli shares what Lewis Hamilton did in Singapore that he ‘didn’t expect’ to happen

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has done everything he can this year to try and reduce the pressure on new driver Kimi Antonelli.

Kimi Antonelli barely appeared in the media before he was announced as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

He was allowed to concentrate on his maiden F2 campaign, where he has outperformed Oliver Bearman who will also be racing in F1 next season with Haas.

Antonelli has impressed behind the scenes in tests with Mercedes before finally making his public debut at his home race at Monza.

AUTO-PRIX-F1-SIN — Photo by MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images

While that outing didn’t go to plan, Antonelli will appear during at least one more FP1 session before the end of the year.

He’s been in the F1 paddock for much of the season, allowing him to closely watch Hamilton and George Russell as they go about their business.

In an interview during the Festival dello Sport carried out by Gazzetta Motori, Antonelli explained how Hamilton has helped throughout the season.

What Lewis Hamilton did during the Singapore Grand Prix that Kimi Antonelli ‘didn’t expect’ to happen

Talking about the help he’s received from Hamilton as well as what he’s still got to learn, Antonelli said: “I didn’t expect it, he’s very kind and talks to me a lot.

“And as for style, it’s similar to mine, with the car understeering a lot.

“I was in Singapore and I learned a lot listening to him talking to the engineers. What I’ll have to get used to is hearing all the engineers in headphones, because I’m someone who doesn’t talk much.

“But if I do talk it’s to give useful information; I’ll have to learn the procedures well, if you touch the wrong button it’s a mess.

“Soon I’ll get a seat with a steering wheel at home to learn the starts and the various procedures. Also, because you have to know where each button is without having to look”

How Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move is impacting Italian Grand Prix ticket sales

The hope for Mercedes is that Antonelli will one day emulate the success Hamilton has enjoyed during his decade with the Silver Arrows.

That will be easier said than done, particularly as Mercedes no longer have the fastest car on the grid.

All eyes will be on 2026 when new regulations are introduced to F1 that could benefit Mercedes and their power unit.

Hamilton will hope that isn’t the case when he moves to Ferrari as he’s put his faith in previous team principal Frederic Vassuer and the sport’s most experienced team.

Charles Leclerc has been told what he can learn from Hamilton once he arrives at Ferrari and that doesn’t necessarily relate just to his performances on the track.

Hamilton has also already had a remarkable impact on ticket sales for next year’s Italian Grand Prix.

The hope for Mercedes and Antonelli is that one day fans will be flocking to Monza to watch their newest home town hero.