Lewis Hamilton Shouts Out Kimi Antonelli After Stunning Mercedes Lap in Miami Sprint Qualifying
Even after a disappointing P7 finish in Sprint Qualifying, Lewis Hamilton took a moment to celebrate a rising star—his Mercedes successor, Kimi Antonelli. The 18-year-old Italian stunned the paddock by clinching pole position for the Miami Grand Prix Sprint, becoming the youngest driver in F1 history to achieve pole in any format. Antonelli's lap of 1:26.482 edged out McLaren's Oscar Piastri by just 0.045 seconds.
Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, shared his excitement on Instagram, posting, 'Amazing lap, Kimi[Antonelli], so happy for you guys[Mercedes]!" It was a classy nod to the teenager who moved into his former seat at Mercedes this season.
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Antonelli's pole is not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Mercedes as they have been struggling to perform. The achievement is even more impressive considering the young Italian's limited experience in F1, having joined the Silver Arrows in 2025.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff praised the young driver's progress, emphasizing the significance of the achievement regardless of it being a sprint pole.
Kimi Antonelli after winning the pole during Miami Sprint Qualifying.Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Wolff elaborated on the team's decision to integrate Antonelli directly into Mercedes bypassing a preparatory year at another team, as many had suggested. 'We were willing to take that risk even if it meant mistakes. And now we're being rewarded for our courage. We always said there would be mistakes. But he's kept developing steadily and hasn't made those errors, though they will come at some point. But the mileage he's put in is now paying off, and that's what's allowing him to perform at this level.'
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Reflecting on Antonelli's rapid ascent, Wolff added, 'This young guy – just a few years ago, he was standing next to me in the garage, eyes wide, taking it all in. It feels like that was only yesterday. And now, the speed he's showing is incredible. He doesn't even know the track yet, this was the next big step. It may only be a 'mini pole', but you've got to take it when it comes.'
As the F1 world turns its attention to the Sprint race, all eyes will be on Antonelli to see if he can convert his historic pole into a strong finish. For Hamilton, the moment serves as a passing of the torch, celebrating the next generation of talent poised to make their mark on the sport.
Related: Lewis Hamilton Reacts to His $1 Million Trading Card Sale and Reveals the Young F1 Stars He's Collecting
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