Hamilton keeps the faith

Hamilton throws his weight behind Antonelli, 18, his successor at Mercedes, despite crash at Monza

Lewis Hamilton will hand over his Mercedes to 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli for the first practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Friday, expressing confidence in the young Italian despite a crash during his practice debut at Monza in August.

Antonelli, who will replace Hamilton next season alongside George Russell, crashed heavily in Russell’s car in Italy, but Hamilton believes the young driver will be better prepared this time around. “Kimi is young and he’s learning from his first outing in Monza,” Hamilton was quoted by F1 as saying.

Kimi Antonelli

“I think what’s key is, and as I spoke to him, he doesn’t have to set the world alight on the first lap, just build into it, enjoy. I told him the track is really dirty early on, and whatever we’re faced with we’ll handle, but I don’t think he’ll have any problems at all.”

Also Read: ‘Emotional’ Lewis Hamilton unveils new Mercedes car

Antonelli’s practice debut in Monza was marred by a high-speed crash, but Hamilton emphasised that the learning process for young drivers is crucial. As Antonelli prepares for his second practice outing, this time in Hamilton’s car, he carries the hopes of a team that has seen Hamilton win two of his seven world championships in Mexico.

With Antonelli taking on more responsibility within the team and Hamilton looking to bounce back from a tough weekend, all eyes will be on the young Italian as he navigates one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits under the guidance of a former world champion.

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