F1 news: Lewis Hamilton hails Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari progress after Monaco GP podium
Lewis Hamilton praised championship leader Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari's recent progress after securing a second consecutive runner-up finish at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday, June 7.
The seven-time world champion continued his encouraging start to the 2026 Formula One season, while also thanking Kim Kardashian for her support after the pair were seen together throughout the Monaco race weekend.
Hamilton's second-place finish moved him into second in the drivers' standings and marked another positive step forward for Ferrari following a difficult 2025 campaign.
Hamilton encouraged by Ferrari resurgence
After enduring a challenging first season with Ferrari, Hamilton admitted he has been encouraged by the team's response this year.
"Very, very thankful to my team because coming from such a horrendous year last year finally in the position where I'm reigniting the passion and belief that they had in me when I first joined," Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.
"After a really big slump that we had last year, to come back up is great to see the fight in them. They are doing a fantastic job. We have a lot of work to do to close that gap."
Hamilton has now claimed back-to-back second-place finishes and sits second in the championship as Ferrari continues to close the gap on the frontrunning Mercedes package.
READ MORE: Monaco GP news: Kimi Antonelli claims fifth straight victory after chaotic race in Monte Carlo
Hamilton salutes Antonelli
While pleased with his own performance, Hamilton reserved special praise for Antonelli after the Mercedes driver became the youngest winner in Monaco Grand Prix history and extended his winning streak to five races.
"Kimi was amazing today. He has been amazing all weekend," Hamilton said.
"Mercedes are clearly a bit ahead of everybody for quite some time and we couldn't match them. He did a phenomenal job and I'm so grateful that I get to witness him in his moment - and this is his moment."
"So I'm really grateful that I could just be up there and get to share it and see that."
Antonelli now holds a commanding lead in the championship after six rounds and continues to establish himself as Formula One's standout performer in 2026.
Support off the track
Hamilton also acknowledged the support he received from friends and family during the Monaco weekend, including Kardashian, who attended her first Formula One race since the pair's relationship became public earlier this year.
"It's amazing to have her come this weekend and have the support," Hamilton said.
"It's amazing to have good people around you and good people supporting you and she does that for me every day."
With Ferrari showing signs of progress and Hamilton continuing his climb up the standings, attention now turns to next week's Spanish Grand Prix as the Briton looks to continue his pursuit of Antonelli at the top of the championship.
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