Lewis Hamilton is set to hand over his Mercedes to 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli during the first practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix on Friday. Despite Antonelli’s recent crash on his debut in Monza while driving George Russell's car, Hamilton expressed confidence in the young Italian's abilities. The seven-time world champion, who will be replaced by Antonelli next season as he transitions to Ferrari, emphasized that he has no concerns about Antonelli's performance.
Hamilton believes that the key for Antonelli is to take his time and gradually acclimate to the track rather than trying to impress on his first lap. He advised Antonelli to enjoy the experience, noting that the track conditions can be quite tricky at the start due to dirt on the surface. Hamilton reassured reporters that they are prepared to handle whatever challenges may arise during the practice session, and he expects Antonelli to navigate them without any issues.
Having won two of his world titles in Mexico City, Hamilton is familiar with the circuit and has a strong track record there. He stands as the only current driver, alongside Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, to have secured a victory in Mexico. Following a disappointing weekend in Austin, Texas, where he started in 17th position and ended up in the gravel just two laps into the race, Hamilton is eager to reset and perform better in Mexico.
As he prepares for the race, Hamilton remains uncertain about how his car will handle in the unique conditions of the Mexican circuit. He stressed the importance of staying focused and making sound decisions during practice to optimize performance. With an open mind and a readiness to adapt, Hamilton aims to make the most of the upcoming sessions and improve upon his recent results.
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