Monaco | June 2026

Lewis Hamilton has praised rising Formula 1 star Kimi Antonelli after the young Mercedes driver secured his fifth consecutive victory with a dominant performance at the Monaco Grand Prix.

The win further strengthened Antonelli’s position at the top of the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship and reinforced his status as one of the sport’s brightest talents.

Hamilton Jokes About Record Being Under Threat

Following the race, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton jokingly suggested that Antonelli could eventually challenge his all-time Formula 1 record of 105 race victories.

“That’s a lot of wins, buddy. You’re catching me up, man!” Hamilton joked in the post-race cool-down room.

The comment reflected the growing admiration surrounding Antonelli’s remarkable start to the season.

Historic Achievement in Monaco

Antonelli’s victory at Monte Carlo was historic. The young Italian became the youngest driver ever to win the Monaco Grand Prix, surpassing a record previously held by Hamilton.

Starting from pole position, Antonelli controlled the race despite multiple safety car interventions and a temporary red flag caused by issues near the final corner of the circuit.

His calm race management and exceptional pace once again demonstrated maturity beyond his years.

Hamilton Applauds Mercedes Success

Hamilton also congratulated his former Mercedes team, which has emerged as the benchmark under Formula 1’s latest regulations.

“I’d like to start by congratulating Kimi and the Mercedes team,” Hamilton said. “They’ve created an amazing car and Kimi has done an incredible job delivering weekend after weekend.”

The Ferrari driver acknowledged the impressive progress Mercedes has made this season while expressing happiness for his former colleagues.

Antonelli Staying Focused

Despite holding a commanding 66-point lead in the championship standings, Antonelli remains determined to stay grounded.

“The job’s not finished,” Antonelli said after the race. “It’s still a long season. We’ve got to keep pushing and keep raising the bar.”

The Mercedes driver credited the team, engineers, and his family for helping him achieve his breakthrough success.

Championship Momentum Building

With five consecutive victories and growing confidence, Antonelli has quickly transformed from a promising rookie into a genuine championship favorite.

As Formula 1 heads deeper into the season, all eyes will remain on the Italian sensation to see whether he can continue his remarkable winning streak and potentially challenge multiple records along the way.

For now, Antonelli’s Monaco victory stands as another major milestone in what is becoming one of Formula 1’s most exciting breakthrough seasons.