BREAKING:Secret Lewis Hamilton message as Antonelli reveals… read more
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has shared a heartfelt moment involving a secret message left for him by Lewis Hamilton, the legendary seven-time Formula 1 World Champion. This message was discovered in Mercedes’ hospitality unit and has become a powerful source of inspiration for the young Italian driver.
Antonelli, only 18 years old, stepped into the Mercedes team as Hamilton’s successor after the Briton confirmed his surprise move to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season. The note from Hamilton was found in the same driver room that the veteran had used for the last time during the 2024 Italian Grand Prix at Monza – his final European race for Mercedes. Hamilton had previously posted an emotional farewell to this space on social media, reflecting on the sentimental value the room held as he prepared to leave the team after more than a decade.
The Mercedes motorhome, including this driver room, made its first appearance of the 2025 season at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola – fittingly close to Antonelli’s hometown of Bologna. It was here, at the beginning of the European leg of the championship, that Antonelli saw the note for the first time. Although he chose not to share the exact words Hamilton wrote, Antonelli spoke warmly about the gesture during the Thursday press conference at Imola, praising the personal nature and depth of the message.
Antonelli described the note as “amazing,” revealing that it offered him meaningful advice for his racing career. He said the message displayed the more personal, human side of Hamilton, beyond just the accomplished driver. According to Antonelli, the note filled him with pride and served as a motivational reminder of the shoes he’s stepping into. He emphasized how much it meant to receive such guidance from one of the sport’s all-time greats, someone who continues to perform at the highest level even after so many years.
He also confirmed that the note now hangs on the wall of his driver room and will remain there, acting as a daily reminder of both Hamilton’s legacy and the high standards expected at Mercedes. “I’ll keep it there,” Antonelli said, explaining that he looks at it every day as a source of encouragement.
Mercedes’ Chief Communications Officer Bradley Lord also touched on the message in an episode of F1’s Beyond The Grid podcast. He revealed that the note was handwritten by Hamilton and warmly welcomed Antonelli to his new space. It also included words of wisdom about the team, with Hamilton encouraging the young driver to take care of the people around him, assuring that if he shows care, the team will reciprocate.
To preserve this touching message, Mercedes went a step further. Lord explained that the team had a piece of glass custom-cut and installed over the note, ensuring it remains protected and visible in the room permanently. This symbolic gesture highlights the bond within the team and the meaningful transition from Hamilton to Antonelli.
As Antonelli continues to impress early in his F1 career – notably securing pole for the Miami sprint race – this private but powerful message from Hamilton clearly stands as both a memento and a motivator for what lies ahead.
