Kimi Antonelli has revealed that Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen helped him develop one of the most important mental qualities behind his rise to the top of the 2026 Formula 1 championship: the ability to ignore unhelpful outside criticism and remain unafraid of making mistakes.
The advice has become increasingly relevant as the 19-year-old handles his first genuine Formula 1 title campaign. Antonelli has dominated much of the opening half of the season, recording six Grand Prix victories, three additional podium finishes and six pole positions to establish himself as the championship leader.
His results have displayed some of the authority previously associated with Hamilton and Verstappen during their most dominant periods. The two multiple world champions offered Antonelli guidance during his rookie campaign, and the Mercedes driver has now explained which elements of their approach made the strongest impression on him.
Kimi Antonelli learned to block out outside criticism
Speaking in an interview with Formula Passion, Kimi Antonelli explained that Hamilton and Verstappen taught him not to give excessive importance to opinions from people outside his trusted circle, particularly when criticism was offered without any constructive purpose.
The Italian also learned that mistakes should not be treated as something to fear. That principle is especially significant for a young driver competing under growing scrutiny while attempting to protect his lead in the Formula 1 drivers’ standings.
Antonelli’s position has changed considerably since receiving that early guidance. He is no longer simply a highly rated newcomer learning from established champions, but the driver both Hamilton and the rest of the field must catch during the second half of the season.
That new competitive relationship may make further advice less likely, particularly because Lewis Hamilton remains firmly involved in the championship contest. The seven-time world champion is currently second, 50 points behind Antonelli, and could still emerge as a serious title threat over the closing stages of the campaign.
The Hamilton and Verstappen quality Antonelli still wants
Although Antonelli has already adopted part of their mental approach, he identified another quality possessed by Hamilton and Verstappen that he would like to develop further.
The Mercedes driver highlighted the awareness both champions display whenever they enter the cockpit. In Antonelli’s view, Hamilton and Verstappen understand their own potential and can quickly recognise what the car is capable of delivering in almost any condition.
He considers that level of understanding an impressive but extremely difficult standard to reach. It involves more than outright speed, requiring a driver to assess grip, balance and available performance with confidence while adapting to changing circumstances.
Antonelli’s six victories and six pole positions suggest he has already demonstrated an exceptional ability to extract performance from the Mercedes. However, he believes the complete awareness shown by Hamilton and Verstappen remains an important target in his continued development.
Lewis Hamilton remains a threat to Antonelli’s championship lead
Max Verstappen praised Antonelli shortly before Formula 1 entered its summer break, describing the Italian’s performance during his first serious title challenge as rock solid. Although the Dutch driver is not directly involved in the championship battle this season, Hamilton remains close enough to apply pressure when racing resumes.
Ferrari entered the break second in both championships, with the team’s progress and remaining deficit assessed in Frédéric Vasseur’s 2026 mid-season review. Hamilton’s position means Antonelli will be competing directly against one of the drivers whose guidance helped shape his approach to Formula 1.
The second half of the campaign will therefore test whether the championship leader can continue applying those lessons under increasing pressure. Avoiding distraction, accepting that mistakes are part of the process and understanding the car in every condition could all prove decisive as Antonelli attempts to convert his dominant start into a Formula 1 world title.
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