Kimi Antonelli celebrates childhood idol Lewis Hamilton’s historic Ferrari victory. Kimi Antonelli praised Lewis Hamilton after his first Ferrari victory.

The special bond between Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton

Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton could find themselves battling for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. The two drivers share a particularly unique relationship, as the young Italian is Mercedes’ successor to the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, at least in terms of statistics.

When Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari reached an agreement that would bring the seven-time world champion to Maranello from the 2025 season onwards, the doors of Formula 1 effectively opened earlier than expected for Andrea Kimi Antonelli. After spending 2025 learning and adapting to the sport, the Italian youngster has already claimed five victories during the 2026 campaign.

Without the technical issue that forced him to retire from the Spanish Grand Prix, Andrea Kimi Antonelli would likely have finished second. Instead, the problem allowed Lewis Hamilton to gain 25 points in the championship standings, reducing the gap to the World Championship leader to 41 points.

Despite his own disappointment, Andrea Kimi Antonelli waited for Lewis Hamilton in Parc Fermé to celebrate the victory of one of the most experienced drivers on the Formula 1 grid.

“Even though I obviously felt empty after the retirement, I was genuinely happy for Lewis Hamilton,” Kimi Antonelli said.

“We have a great relationship and he has always been there for me. Seeing him win for the first time with Ferrari was really special. It was his dream.”

The comments once again highlighted the mutual respect between the two drivers. While they could soon become direct rivals in the fight for the Formula 1 title, their relationship continues to be built on admiration and support, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli openly acknowledging the important role Lewis Hamilton has played during the early stages of his career.

As the championship battle intensifies, the prospect of seeing mentor and successor go head-to-head for Formula 1’s biggest prize adds another fascinating storyline to what is already shaping up to be a memorable 2026 season.