Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has highlighted the encouragement he has received from Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen since entering Formula 1. The 19-year-old currently leads the drivers' championship after five straight wins.
Speaking at the drivers' press conference in Barcelona, Antonelli said Hamilton and Verstappen have been kind and supportive. He noted they remain competitors who avoid giving too much advice.
Antonelli joked about Verstappen's latest tip regarding the starting lights but added that the Dutch driver told him to keep enjoying the process and stay true to himself. He said similar positive interactions have come from other drivers as well.
Antonelli leads the championship by 66 points over Hamilton after victories in the Chinese, Japanese, Miami, Canadian and Monaco Grands Prix. Hamilton sits second, two points ahead of George Russell.
