Lewis Hamilton Grateful To Race in Same Era as Kimi Antonelli but Wants ‘Actual Battles’ With Him Next Year

Lewis Hamilton has praised Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable rise in Formula 1 as the Mercedes youngster stands on the brink of his maiden World Championship title at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old Italian needs just two more points to become the youngest world champion in F1 history.

Hamilton, who secured pole position for Ferrari, could technically delay Antonelli’s celebrations by winning Sunday’s race, provided Antonelli finishes outside the points. However, the seven-time world champion has made it clear that he would be happy to witness the youngster achieve the historic milestone.

Having watched Antonelli develop through Mercedes’ junior programme before eventually taking over his seat at the team, Hamilton has been impressed by the Italian’s progress. Speaking during the FIA Saturday press conference in Mexico City, the Ferrari driver described his journey as remarkable.

“He’s just got such a bright future ahead of him. I’m grateful that I can be racing in time to see it, to witness it,” Hamilton said.

The Briton also believes Antonelli deserves recognition for what he has achieved at such a young age, although he hopes their relationship on track will become more competitive next season.

Lewis Hamilton Wants Better Competition Against Kimi Antonelli in 2027

Hamilton admitted that he has barely had an opportunity to fight Antonelli on track this season, with Mercedes enjoying a considerable performance advantage over Ferrari.

The Italian has regularly demonstrated the pace to pull away from his rivals, leaving Hamilton hoping for more competitive battles when the two teams return next year.

Hamilton said he wants to challenge Antonelli through his own racing ability rather than simply watch the Mercedes driver disappear ahead.

“I do hope in the future we get to have some actual battles because we didn’t get to have any battles this year. It just flew past us on all the straights, more often than not,” Hamilton insisted.

“So, I hope next year that we’re able to give him a bit more of a fight and get it really down to race craft. And, yeah, I’ll be so happy for him,” he added.

Hamilton’s comments reflect Ferrari’s need to close the performance gap to Mercedes if it wants to challenge Antonelli regularly. However, the competitive order has already begun to shift as the leading teams continue developing their 2026 machinery.

Mercedes’ Early Dominance Could Make Way for a Closer Fight in 2027

The 2026 season introduced Formula 1’s latest technical regulations, bringing major changes to the chassis, aerodynamics and power units. Mercedes adapted quickly, establishing itself as the team to beat and winning the opening six races.

However, its early advantage has gradually reduced as Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren have improved through subsequent upgrade packages. Mercedes’ rivals have closed the gap, with Red Bull making significant progress and Ferrari and McLaren finding additional performance through upgrades.

All three teams have demonstrated the pace to challenge Mercedes at different points this season. Ferrari has also secured victories, while Red Bull’s resurgence has added another contender to the fight.

With the development battle continuing into the winter break, all four teams will have plenty to prove when the 2027 season gets underway.

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