Andrea Kimi Antonelli has described the prospect of racing against Lewis Hamilton as “surreal” as the young Italian prepares to make his Formula 1 debut at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.
Antonelli was chosen as the man to fill the enormous void left at Mercedes by Hamilton, who will line-up for Ferrari for the first time in Melbourne.
With a 22-year age gap, Antonelli, who had been affiliated to the German marque’s junior team since 2019, has spent much of his lifetime watching Hamilton’s successful career unfold.
Speaking to media in a press conference at the Albert Park Circuit, Antonelli conveyed his excitement at lining up on the grid alongside the seven-time World Champion.
“I mean, first of all, if it feels pretty surreal to be able to race, you know, with someone such as Lewis,” he said.
“I’ve been growing up, and also, once I joined the Mercedes, been looking at him, and it’s been incredibly successful.
“It feels kind of weird that I’m going be sharing the track with him, but also with Carlos [Sainz], with all the drivers at the end of the day, because you know when you’re used to see them on TV, and then finally you’re able to share the track with them, it is an incredible feeling.
“And yeah, last year, I’ve been doing some trackside, end of season, and being starting to work with the team, and Lewis has always been nice to me, and also giving me some advice.”
Turning to Hamilton, who was also present, Antonelli said: “And then also, I think you wrote a message, in the drivers’ room, so I’m going be able to see it pretty soon.
“But, yeah, he’s [Hamilton] always been really nice to me, and I’m really, really grateful for that, because it shows that, you know, it’s not only a great driver, but also a great person.
Hamilton shares own ‘surreal’ Schumacher memory in relation to Antonelli
Hamilton was quick to praise his replacement at the ‘Silver Arrows’, citing his commitment to how he has reached the pinnacle of motorsport whilst still in his teenage years.
He also cited a moment when he first shared an F1 circuit with Michael Schumacher, when the fellow seven-times champion came out of retirement to kick-off Mercedes’ return to F1.
A McLaren driver at the time, Hamilton recollected how he was thrilled to just follow in the German’s wheel tracks when the pair first found themselves on the same tarmac together.
“I’m happy for him [Antonelli], you know, he’s doing so well and conducting himself so well,” Hamilton said, “Taking that first leap, getting that first opportunity to be in Formula 1, it’s so, so special.
“I know how many years of dedication it would have taken for him. Starting even younger than I did. You’re 18 now, yeah? It’s just exciting to see.
“I remember being on track with Michael Schumacher back in the day, and he being ahead of me, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, that’s Michael Schumacher’, and I just followed him for lap as many laps till he came in, basically, and, and it’s a very, very… it’s just, it’s very surreal.
“It’s very hard to believe it’s true what you’re seeing, because you’re growing up every day, every weekend, you know, make a bacon sarnie, and sit and watch the Grand Prix come on and watch him have that success.
“So I think when I’m looking at the youngsters coming through, I think I always really do try and want to make sure that I’m trying to set a good example in what I do and kind of look at them and I want to protect them from all the incoming bombardment that they will experience, because it can be a cruel world and they just need time.”
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