Kimi Antonelli says Lewis Hamilton’s Malaysia drive shows why he’s made ‘history’ in F1

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli praised Lewis Hamilton after the Ferrari driver fought through the field to secure a third-place podium finish in Malaysia. After suffering a software issue during the formation lap and facing a flawed early tyre strategy from Ferrari, Hamilton dropped from the front row down to 17th position. Hamilton subsequently recovered after a safety car period, eventually executing a late overtake on Red Bull's Isack Hadjar to clinch the final podium position.

Speaking after finishing the race in second place behind winner Max Verstappen, Antonelli highlighted Hamilton's resilience and noted that the Briton had made history in the sport through his persistent determination. The result allowed Hamilton to extend his Formula 1 record to 208 career podium finishes, placing him 53 clear of Michael Schumacher.