Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton heaped praise on Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli on Saturday, after the 19-year-old became the youngest driver to take pole position for a full grand prix in China.
"A great record. It's going to take a while for someone to ever get close to that one," the Ferrari driver told a news conference after qualifying in third position for Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix.
The record had been held for almost 18 years by now-retired German driver Sebastian Vettel, who put his Toro Rosso on pole as a 21-year-old at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.
Big question marks hung over Antonelli when he was announced as Hamilton's replacement at Mercedes for the 2025 season, after the British driver shocked the sport by moving to rivals Ferrari. Pundits questioned whether the then-18-year-old could live up to Hamilton's legacy, even as Mercedes team boss consistently touted the Italian as a top-tier talent.
"He took my seat! And he hit it hard from the get-go, so it's really great to see him progressing and he really deserves it," a beaming Hamilton said while sat next to Antonelli.