Lewis Hamilton shows true colours as approach to struggling F1 rival spotted on live TV
Lewis Hamilton offered consolation to teenager Kimi Antonelli who continues to struggle in his debut Formula 1 season. The teenager began the year strongly but, since entering the European portion of the season, has looked a little lost and has struggled for form.
Antonelli has failed to score across any of the six race weekends held in Europe so far this year, and failed to finish four of them. The other two saw the 18-year-old finish 18th in Monaco and, on Sunday, 16th at the end of a torrid Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
Strangely, in the middle of those European races, Antonelli produced his best performance in F1 to date to secure his first podium, finishing third at the Canadian Grand Prix. But at Spa-Francorchamps after qualifying he was close to tears as he lamented his struggles.
"Since the European season, I've been struggling to find confidence with the car," the teenager said. "I feel like I've done a backwards step. It's just a difficult moment for me – I feel like I have no confidence on pushing. Yesterday, I tried to push a bit too much and then I spun, and it kind of hurts the confidence even more.
"We know the limitation we have since quite a lot, but with the way I'm driving, I'm just increasing the problem, and that gives me even less confidence with the car."
Things did not get any better on Sunday as Antonelli struggled to make progress, having started from the pit lane with new engine components. Not only was he 16th at the end, but he was 14 seconds away from 10th place, the lowest points-paying position.
In contrast, Hamilton had also started from the pit lane and found much more joy in his Ferrari, speeding up to finish seventh and 46 seconds up the road from the teenager who replaced him at Mercedes. But instead of celebrating his strong performance, the first thing the seven-time F1 champion did was approach Antonelli in parc ferme.
It is not know what was said between them, but Hamilton could be seen offering consolation to the teenager. At 40 years old, the Brit is more than twice Antonelli's age and is driving for a direct rival team in Ferrari, but has spent time on several occasions offering his wisdom and experience to the struggling young Italian.
Speaking about the youngster's struggles after the Belgium race, Hamilton said: "I can't imagine what it's like at 18, I can try to imagine what it's like at 18 to do what he's been doing. I think he's been doing fantastic, but to be thrown into the deep end at 18... he didn't even have his [road] driving licence when he started racing!
"I think it's a lot on young shoulders, but he's doing a great job. He's got a great group of people around him, so I think he's just got to take it in his stride, which I think he is.
"He's got Bono [Hamilton's old Mercedes race engineer Peter Bonnington] by his side – he couldn't have anyone better."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
21 minutes ago
- The Independent
King urges Lionesses to target World Cup glory after ‘great pride' of Euros win
The King has congratulated England on retaining their Women's European Championship crown, saying it is a source of 'great pride' for the country. England beat world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Euro 2025 final in Basel after a 1-1 draw to defend the title they won three years ago. Writing a message entitled 'Congratulations England' on the The Royal Family X account, Charles said: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' The Prince of Wales was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him – including his daughter Princess Charlotte. William was among those to heap praise on striker Michelle Agyemang, who was named young player of the tournament. As the presentation ceremony took place, William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say, 'Well played, fantastic, well done'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also offered his congratulations after England's victory in Switzerland. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: 'Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: 'What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy. 'The Lionesses have not just won a tournament – they have inspired millions with their skill, determination and heart. Huge congratulations to Sarina Wiegman, her brilliant squad, and everyone who has supported them on this incredible journey.' Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to the Lionesses' creating English football history and said a victory parade in London on Tuesday would 'give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players'. He said: 'Our history-making Lionesses are champions of Europe for the second successive time, and have become the first England Senior team in history to win a tournament overseas. 'We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. 'They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. 'We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.'
Daily Mirror
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
When is Lionesses trophy parade? Full details and date for England Euro 2025 party
England have won Euro 2025 after a penalty shootout victory over Spain in Switzerland on Sunday night - and the Lionesses will be honoured with a celebration event in London on Tuesday July 29 Euro 2025 final: The Lionesses celebrate as they lift trophy England fans will get the chance to celebrate their European champions at an event in London next week. The Lionesses won Euro 2025 after a penalty shootout victory over Spain. Sarina Wiegman's side were seeking redemption against Spain following their defeat in the World Cup final two years ago. However, they found themselves trailing after Mariona Caldentey scored a goal past Hannah Hampton in the first half. England equalised 12 minutes into the second half thanks to Alessia Russo's strike. Despite both teams' efforts, neither could secure a win before extra time. The additional period also ended without a decisive goal, leading to a penalty shootout. Hampton made two crucial saves during the shootout, and Chloe Kelly delivered the winning kick. They will now get a parade to celebrate on Tuesday - and here are all the details. When is the event? Following England's memorable win on Sunday night, there will be a homecoming celebration event in central London on Tuesday July 29. What activities are planned? There will be an open-top bus procession along The Mall, which will start at 12:10pm, culminating with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace starting at approximately 12:30pm. The ceremony event will be hosted by Alex Scott. Is the event on TV? The celebration event will be broadcast live across the BBC, ITV and Sky between 12:00pm and 1:00pm. What have the FA said? FA Chief Executive, Mark Bullingham, said: "Our history-making Lionesses are Champions of Europe for the second successive time, and have become the first England Senior team in history to win a tournament overseas. We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. "They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories." Have the Lionesses ever had a celebration event in the past? Three years ago, following their Euro 2022 success, the England players were honoured with a trophy parade during a celebration event in Trafalgar Square. In that tournament, Wiegman guided her team to a 2-1 victory over Germany in the final, with Kelly scoring the winning goal in extra time. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Lionesses Bring It Home Again - Souvenir Edition Sarina Wiegman's legends have made history and brought football home once more after defending their title and winning Euro 2025 in Switzerland. We have produced this special souvenir edition of the Women's Football News. It is crammed with interviews with the Lionesses, special features, their match-by-match road to glory as well as dozens of amazing images. Click here to buy
The Guardian
35 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Oscar Piastri eases away from Norris to win rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix
Calm assurance and closure were once more the hallmarks of victory for Oscar Piastri at the Belgian Grand Prix. The 24-year-old Australian displayed purpose, conviction and touch behind the wheel to grind out a win in challenging conditions and under no little pressure in seeing off his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. The title fight will be decided between the two drivers and, as at Spa, single significant moments may prove decisive. In what was far from a thriller, Piastri won with a dominant drive to beat Norris into second and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc into third. Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull in the team's first race without the recently dismissed team principal Christian Horner in charge, while Lewis Hamilton made the most of the changeable, wet-dry conditions to move from 18th on the grid to finish seventh. After a delayed start of almost an hour and 20 minutes because of heavy rain in the Ardennes mountains, when racing finally began in earnest Piastri pounced to take the lead from Norris with an opportunistic and decisive move. He launched it with almost breathtaking commitment. As the pair plunged down the hill into Eau Rouge on the first racing lap in anger, Piastri scythed into the slot just under Norris's gearbox in an all or nothing, fearless display. They hurtled up through Raidillon and thence with the slipstream on the Kemmel straight it was advantage Piastri as he sped past and into the lead at Les Combes. Norris was powerless to resist and not at fault – as his team principal, Andrea Stella, noted – the driver leading the pack out on the first lap is always vulnerable; indeed a lesson Piastri had learned from the sprint race on Saturday when Verstappen pulled an identical move on him. He was aware of its import. 'I knew that lap one was probably my best chance of winning the race,' he said. 'I lifted as little as I dared through Eau Rouge and then it was enough.' Having got to the front he was relentless in grinding out a victory and even a counter-tyre strategy from Norris could not bring him quite back into contention. Yet it required a steely resolve and, with the decision to make his medium tyres last to the finish, no little finesse, as Norris chased him down on the more durable hard rubber. For all that the McLaren is easy on its rubber, Piastri eased it on with a gentle mastery. It was, then, another combative statement of intent from the Australian, demonstrating that even when he is on the back foot he retains a fierce determination. Once he had retaken the lead from second on the grid he was in assured control from the front, with the same measured, calm confidence that is almost disarming as it becomes ominously clear to his rivals that he has all the traits of a world champion in waiting. It was his sixth win from 13 races this season and for all that Norris took the previous two on the trot, really no other driver has matched the Australian's consistency. What had begun in Melbourne with a win for Norris has since become very much bossed by Piastri, who has laid down another marker that it will be remarkably hard to beat him this season, but it will be a hard-fought show. He now leads Norris by 16 points with 11 meetings remaining in a contest that increasingly looks like it will go down to the wire. Certainly Stella believed that there was little to choose between his drivers and noted that it would likely come down to the minutiae of execution that would tell for the title. Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion Norris might consider that on his chase he dropped a little time, two lock-ups at La Source and going wide once at Pouhon but they were not enough to be truly decisive. He had closed to within 3.4sec by the end but for the final laps Piastri still had enough in the locker to hold his lead. Norris, too, conceded that he had been well beaten and that he did not believe his minor errors had made the difference. 'Oscar just did a good job [at the start], nothing more to say, committed a bit more through Eau Rouge,' he said. 'That was it, Oscar deserved it today. It's shoulda‑woulda‑coulda. Oscar deserved it and I'm sure he made a couple of mistakes, too. I couldn't have won today.' With rain having swept across the circuit on and off all day, another deluge began just before the start and the race was delayed after a single formation lap, because of the poor visibility caused by the spray. The cars returned to the pit lane for more an hour and 20 minutes until the FIA deemed it could begin behind the safety car and with a rolling start. The long delay was questioned by some with the track drying – notably Red Bull and Verstappen, who had their car set up for a wet race – but the consensus was the governing body had made the right call to err on the side of caution on a circuit that is a high-speed challenge in perfect conditions. An earlier opening in more difficult conditions would maybe have made for a more interesting race, but it is hard not to imagine that Piastri would not have exhibited similarly iron control even then as – rain or shine – the Australian very much had the measure of Spa.
