Lewis Hamilton has revisited his old team at Mercedes over the past week, handing off some useful advice to Kimi Antonelli in the process.
The 2025 Formula One season is around the halfway stage, and for some, the idea of such a dramatic driver change at Mercedes hasn’t quite sunk in yet.
Lewis Hamilton spent 11 years with the Brackley-based team, winning six of his seven drivers’ championships there.
It has been all change, however, as the British star’s switch to Ferrari took the F1 world by storm last year.
While that has seen George Russell step up to lead Mercedes forward, there has also been the introduction of Kimi Antonelli to the second seat.
After a difficult few races for the 18-year-old, Hamilton has stepped in to give his advice to the youngster.
Lewis Hamilton told Kimi Antonelli to keep pushing after Belgian Grand Prix struggles
It’s been something of a mixed season for Kimi Antonelli, who is still experiencing everything in F1 for the first time in a seat on the grid.
There have been some positive moments, such as his first podium finish in Canada, finishing third after a fantastic drive.
There have been some low points as well, including four instances of not finishing the race and a 16th-placed finish at the Belgian Grand Prix last time out.
While it’s clear that Antonelli needs to find some form again, Hamilton may well have given him the inspiration he needs to regain it.
Speaking about Hamilton’s visit back at Mercedes after, he told the press: “He came to say hi to the team, and definitely we had a couple of words.”
When pushed on the advice he was given, the youngster said: “He was telling me to keep my head up, and that it’s normal to have bad weekends, and to just keep believing. It was really nice for me.”
With the F1 summer break coming up, it will be key for Antonelli to have a positive Hungarian Grand Prix, while doubts continue over his future.
Kimi Antonelli can push forward for new contract extension at Mercedes
There is one concern circling around Antonelli, which is his future in the seat at Mercedes.
The Italian driver is one of many stars who have their F1 contract expiring in 2025, leaving questions over a long-term stay with the team.
As George Russell is set for a contract extension at Mercedes, the focus turns back to who will be in the second seat.
Following Hamilton’s advice, Antonelli will be able to push forward to create the momentum needed to secure that seat for next season.
With a big summer break ahead to analyse the start to the season so far, the Hungarian Grand Prix could prove to be an important moment for him.