Dutch Formula 2 driver Laurens van Hoepen said he has known Kimi Antonelli since they competed in karting in 2016 and that the friendship had remained unchanged as Antonelli approached a Formula 1 world-title fight. Van Hoepen described the Italian as friendly, driven and humble, saying Antonelli had not become arrogant despite his growing prominence. He also recalled seeing Antonelli’s talent from an early age and receiving a birthday message from him while Antonelli was competing for the championship.

Van Hoepen said he had always recognized Antonelli’s exceptional ability but had not expected him to contend for the title so soon. He attributed the rapid progress partly to Mercedes having the strongest car at the start of the season, while saying his own career had been hindered by some team choices that left him without the best equipment. Van Hoepen said he hoped to compete against Antonelli in equal machinery one day and believed the result would be close.