Kimi Antonelli, the newly appointed Mercedes driver, has finally disclosed the contents of the secret message left by Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes hospitality area. The revelation emerged just before the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, where Antonelli described the message as deeply meaningful and motivating.
The note, which Lewis Hamilton had written in the bathroom of the team’s hospitality unit, simply stated, “Lewis was here!” and included Hamilton’s autograph, a detail Antonelli had hinted at during a previous Sky Sports visit.
Insight into Lewis Hamilton’s Thoughtfulness and Advice
During a press conference, Antonelli spoke about the significance of the message, emphasizing what it revealed about Hamilton as a person beyond his achievements as a driver.
“Unfortunately you guys cannot see, but I think it tells a lot on how Lewis is as a person,”
Antonelli commented, expressing his admiration for Hamilton’s character.
He continued by saying that reading the message touched him personally and strengthened his motivation to perform at his best.
“And of course, also in the message it contains some advice. I use it as a motivation as well, to go out there and do my best, because it doesn’t happen every day,”
Antonelli revealed.
Keeping the Message as a Daily Inspiration
Antonelli plans to preserve the message exactly where Hamilton wrote it, valuing it as a daily reminder of encouragement.
“I’ll keep it there because I think the message is so nice that I just want to leave it there, because every day I enter the room I can see the message,”
he shared.
“It’s also a really good reminder.”
This heartfelt gesture highlights the supportive spirit within the Mercedes team and serves as a meaningful link between the legendary seven-time world champion and the rising star stepping into his role. The message not only reflects Hamilton’s generosity but also provides Antonelli with ongoing drive as he embarks on his Formula 1 journey with Mercedes.
