Lewis Hamilton, the legendary Formula 1 driver, recently left fans and a young driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with more than just memories as he transitioned from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season. In a gesture full of warmth and encouragement, Hamilton penned a personal note to Antonelli, who was stepping into his shoes at the Mercedes team. This touching moment was unveiled at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where Antonelli discovered the heartfelt message for the first time.
Hamilton, after an illustrious career with Mercedes, decided to pursue new challenges with Ferrari. As he departed, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old rookie, became his successor, and their paths crossed through a note left by Hamilton in his former driver room at the Mercedes hospitality unit. This note, described by Antonelli as ‘amazing’, was filled with advice and reflections from one of the sport’s greats.
The note was a personal farewell to the comforts of his Mercedes space, shared publicly by Hamilton via social media after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, marking an end to his era there. The note contained advice that Antonelli has chosen not to disclose publicly, but he hinted it was full of personal insights that revealed the human side of Hamilton beyond his racing persona.
Antonelli found the note at a particularly symbolic time—the beginning of the European racing season at Imola, near his hometown of Bologna. Reflecting on its significance, he mentioned how much it meant to receive such guidance from someone he admires, saying, ‘I could see a lot of the human side of Lewis, not only the driver.’ The sentiment expressed on the paper has become a source of daily motivation for Antonelli, who has decided to display it prominently on his wall as a permanent reminder of the encouragement it holds.
Bradley Lord, the chief communications officer for Mercedes, offered insights on F1’s Beyond The Grid podcast about this poignant moment. He explained that the note not only included kind words about the Mercedes team but also a message to Antonelli about the importance of mutual respect and nurturing relationships within the team environment. To preserve this lasting piece of Hamilton’s legacy, Mercedes encased the note in glass, ensuring it remains untouched for future generations to admire.
This heartfelt act from Lewis Hamilton is more than just a gesture—it’s a legacy of sportsmanship and mentorship in Formula 1, inspiring rookies like Andrea Kimi Antonelli to carry forward a spirit of camaraderie and excellence. As Hamilton embarks on his journey with Ferrari, his handwritten note remains a testament to the deep connections and respect forged in the high-speed world of motorsport.
