MPH: Why Antonelli can't expect to match Hamilton's mega rookie year

Lewis Hamilton reminisces  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ View in browser View in browser ARTICLES MAGAZINE SHOP DATABASE SHOP FORMULA 1 MPH: Why Antonelli can't expect to match Hamilton's mega rookie year Mark Hughes A reflective Lewis Hamilton recalled the first days of his F1 career as he sat next to Kimi Antonelli, about to start his debut season with a similar level of hype. It would be too much, writes Mark Hughes, to expect the 18-year-old to hit the heights of Hamilton's stellar rookie year        Eighteen years ago 22-year-old Lewis Hamilton made his F1 debut in Melbourne. At that moment Kimi Antonelli was seven months old. This weekend they sat together in a press conference as F1 colleagues, 40-year-old Hamilton on the eve of the Ferrari chapter of his long career, 18-year-old Antonelli about to begin his journey. It seemed to put Hamilton in a ruminative mood. It has all happened so quickly, a racing lifetime devoured in a flash of colours, triumphs, challenges, sadnesses. Racing seasons speed up the passage of time while placing immense strains on the driver, an annealing process which forms the character. Hamilton was reflecting on this and smiling as he observed Antonelli — his replacement — answer the media's various questions. READ MORE PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES F1 James Elson Is the 'Flavio effect' real? Gasly explains Briatore's Alpine impact Flavio Briatore left F1 in controversy – but his return to Enstone team Alpine coincided with a strong upturn in fortunes. James Elson speaks to Pierre Gasly and Oliver Oakes about whether the outspoken 'executive advisor' is really having an impact READ MORE F1 Dominic Tobin Max Verstappen can't complain about boos when he acts the pantomime villain Max Verstappen looks set to be pitched into a hectic, high-stakes battle for F1 victories in 2025, between at least four teams. How will fans react if he resorts to his trademark strongman tactics? READ MORE F1 Dominic Tobin Max Verstappen can't complain about boos when he acts the pantomime villain Max Verstappen looks set to be pitched into a hectic, high-stakes battle for F1 victories in 2025, between at least four teams. How will fans react if he resorts to his trademark strongman tactics? READ MORE FORMULA 1 MPH: Next F1 megastar could emerge from season start in Melbourne Mark Hughes Years after Melbourne lost its opening slot, it's back as the first F1 race of the 2025 season. It gives this year's rookies the chance to follow in the footsteps of GP winners who shone on their debut amid the formidable challenge of Albert Park        This weekend in Melbourne we'll see the F1 debuts of Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar, all fresh from race-winning F2 seasons (and in Bortoleto's case, the title). The Albert Park track is a more formidable place to be doing that than might be imagined. Unlike Sakhir (the other common season-opener of the last few years), there's plenty to hit when you get it wrong. Which is quite easy to do on the low-grip public road with its big difference in grip on line to off and the thread-the-needle element to some of the faster corners. It requires confidence and commitment. With three one-hour sessions to build up to it before you're into qualifying. READ MORE PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Connect with us We're also available on Update your preferences Control your Motor Sport experience by selecting the content you wish to receive and stay up to date. UPDATE NOW Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy Motor Sport Magazine, 18-20 Rosemont Road, London, NW3 6NE  Company no. 05471049, Vat no. 871 544 60