Hamilton says Antonelli deserves F1 title ahead of United States GP

With the Formula 1 title within reach in Austin, Lewis Hamilton says Kimi Antonelli “deserves to be the champion.” The Ferrari driver called the Mercedes racer’s 2026 performances “massively impressive” and said Antonelli had dealt well with the expectations and commitment of his first year in a top team.

Antonelli’s 2025 rookie campaign, at 18, was difficult: he was error-prone and lacked pace relative to George Russell. In the first 17 rounds of 2026, he took six pole positions and eight wins; no other driver had won more than three times.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season paved the way for Antonelli at Mercedes. Hamilton said he knew the Italian would replace him and believed it was the right decision to give a young, rising driver that opportunity.

Asked what advice he had for Antonelli, Hamilton joked, “Slow down,” then said the Mercedes driver needed none, citing his talent, calmness and approach. He also said he was proud of how Antonelli carried himself and would always want his old team to do well.