Kimi Antonelli detailed the lessons he is learning from racing alongside champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen after finishing second at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Mercedes driver joined race winner Verstappen and third-placed Hamilton on the podium at Sepang International Circuit.
Antonelli praised both drivers for rewriting Formula 1 history, with Hamilton establishing the sport's legacy and Verstappen continuing that tradition. He emphasized trying to learn as much as possible whenever driving closely to them during races.
The Italian highlighted Verstappen's superior restart technique on slick tires during wet conditions, noting how the Red Bull driver positioned his car better and showed superior grip feeling in the first two corners. Despite being annoyed at being overtaken, Antonelli said it provided valuable learning for future situations.
Antonelli also praised Hamilton's mentality of keeping his head down and pursuing the best possible result even when things go badly. He described this as a consistent trait Hamilton has demonstrated over many years of competition.