Pete bonnington

Kimi Antonelli: Lewis Hamilton has come out in strong support of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, insisting the 18-year-old is “doing fantastic” despite mounting criticism over his recent performances in Formula 1.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like at 18, or try to imagine what it’s like at 18 to do what he’s been doing,” Hamilton told Sky Sports.

“I think he’s been doing fantastic to be thrown in at the deep end at 18. He didn’t even have his driving licence when he started racing, so I think it’s a lot on someone’s shoulders and I think he’s doing a great job.”