Kimi Antonelli received fan praise for congratulating Lewis Hamilton following the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver retired from the race but made a point of approaching the winner afterward.
Current championship leader Kimi Antonelli earned widespread approval for his sportsmanship at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Hamilton secured his first victory for Ferrari after starting from second on the grid, while Antonelli's Mercedes suffered an electrical failure that ended his race early.
Fans highlighted the gesture on social media, noting Antonelli's positive reaction despite his own disappointment. Comments described the Mercedes driver as a "class act" and expressed hope that the mutual respect would continue even during a title fight.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished fourth, also congratulated Hamilton. Observers remarked on the respect shown across the paddock for the seven-time champion.
Hamilton has closed to within 41 points of Antonelli in the standings. The next round is the Austrian Grand Prix scheduled for 26 to 28 June.
