MONACO - Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton hailed Formula One's new star, Kimi Antonelli, after the 19-year-old Italian won the Monaco Grand Prix to extend his championship lead.
Antonelli, who replaced Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025, delivered a masterclass to become the youngest winner in Monaco history, securing his fifth consecutive victory. He now leads Hamilton by 66 points after six rounds.
Hamilton finished second for the second straight race, suggesting he is finding form after a difficult first season at Ferrari. The result moved him ahead of George Russell into second place in the standings.
"He's doing a phenomenal job," said Hamilton, who blew a kiss to girlfriend Kim Kardashian after the race. "It encourages me to level up. I'm going to do my best to chase him down for the rest of the year."
A late red flag gave Hamilton a chance to steal the win, but he could not match Antonelli's pace. The 41-year-old matched Ayrton Senna's record of eight podiums in Monaco.
"To be in his presence, in the sense of the eight podiums, is very cool," Hamilton said. "I still remember watching Ayrton as a kid."