Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton has said runaway leader Kimi Antonelli "doesn't need any advice" on how to seal his first drivers' title in F1.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has expressed his admiration for the Mercedes youngster, who currently leads the championship by 102 points with six races remaining.
Antonelli could clinch the title at this weekend's United States Grand Prix if he wins the race, his teammate George Russell finishes ninth or lower and Hamilton finishes fifth or lower.
"He doesn't need any advice," Hamilton replied when asked if he had any wise words for Antonelli during Thursday's news conference. "I think he's shown this year, and also last year, but particularly this year, his talent and his ability, his calmness and his approach.
"He's done an amazing job this year, and I'm so proud of him. I'm so proud of the way he's carried himself, how he interacts with the drivers and even with you guys [the media]. It's great to see him and the team excel. If it's not my team, I'd always want to see my old team do well."
Reflecting on the pressure of performing at a top team like Mercedes, where Hamilton won six titles, he praised Antonelli for grabbing the opportunity with both hands.
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Antonelli joined Mercedes at the start of 2025 and had an up and down year, but now has eight race victories under his belt this season.
Hamilton said: "I mean, when I was there, I knew who was going to be replacing me. Kimi was around the team, following us a lot, particularly in the last year that I was there. And I think it was the right decision to create an opportunity for a young and up-and-coming driver.
"Kimi had shown his abilities in the lower categories and his enthusiasm, his charm and his good approach to everything. He was always fitting really well into the environment.
"But I think he's really taken it in his stride. It's been really great to see his performances this year. It's massively impressive, and he deserves to be the champion.
"I guess you never know how anyone will do under pressure until you see it. I assumed he would be fine with the weight that you have on you ... But he has taken it in his stride.
"He is a relatively old soul in that young body I would say. I'm looking forward to racing with him longer."
