Lewis Hamilton/Ferrari: Astonishing advice for soon-to-be champion Antonelli

Lewis Hamilton is the only driver to have competed in every Formula 1 World Championship race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and he is the most successful driver here: pole positions from 2016 to 2018, Grand Prix victories in 2012 (at the race’s debut) and then from 2014 to 2017. Added to these are three second-place finishes and one third place, making a total of ten podium finishes.

For years, Lewis Hamilton was by far the most popular racing driver in America; now, the seven-time world champion drives for Ferrari and thus also has the loyal Tifosi behind him.

The driver with 106 Grand Prix wins to his name says: “This weekend is always something very special. It’s really hard to say how well we’ll do this weekend. There was a phase when Mercedes were way ahead. Then, all of a sudden, McLaren started winning. Most recently, Red Bull Racing have been dominant. It goes up and down.”

“I don’t think the balance of power will be completely turned on its head here in Austin, judging by the previous races. As far as we’re concerned – if we manage to get the Ferrari into the sweet spot, then we’ll be right up there.”

Kimi Antonelli is on the verge of his first World Championship title. Lewis Hamilton is asked if he has any advice for his young rival. The Briton starts laughing: “Drive more slowly!”

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: MotoGP’s new schedule proved highly controversial

In 2027, MotoGP will also enter the 850cc era with a new schedule. It was not so much the changes themselves as the way the decisions were reached that caused a stir. A prime example of: ‘Talking helps’.

Read More

TV Program

Tomorrow

Austin: 1. Freies Training

FIA Formula One World Championship

23.10.2026 - 19:25

Then Hamilton turns serious: “No, Kimi certainly doesn’t need any advice from me; he’s proved that quite impressively this season. His talent and his composure – and all that at the age of 20 – is truly remarkable.”

“I’m very proud of the work he’s doing there, and I’m also very proud of the work done by my former team. If not Ferrari, then preferably Mercedes.”