Lewis Hamilton admitted he enjoys no added pleasure in beating his younger competitors – ahead of 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli potentially replacing the Brit at Mercedes. The seven-time Formula One champion is the second-oldest driver on the grid, only behind Fernando Alonso, but remains a constant competitor for podiums and wins, as shown by his recent form with the 39-year-old clinching two race wins from the last three Grands Prix.
Hamilton is 13 years older than Silver Arrows team-mate George Russell, 26, with the age gap identical to Charles Leclerc who the racing icon will be team-mates with when joining Ferrari next year. Leaving a race seat available upon his departure next season, 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli is the overwhelming favourite to make the step up to F1.
During an interview with Esquire, Hamilton was asked whether he feels a “particular pleasure” when defeating his younger rivals – a situation he could very well find himself in should Mercedeschief Toto Wolff decide to promote the teenager from their junior team for next season.
