Hamilton praises young rival after Baku Grand Prix slip-up

After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton, despite finishing ninth, praised two rookie drivers, Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman, for their impressive performances. Colapinto, who finished eighth, outpaced Hamilton by three seconds, marking a significant achievement in his early F1 career. This race was only Colapinto's second Grand Prix, having debuted earlier in the month at the Italian Grand Prix, where he became the first Argentinian to score points in F1 since 1982. Bearman, also a rookie, made his debut for Haas after stepping in for Kevin Magnussen due to a race ban. He previously raced for Ferrari in Jeddah, finishing seventh. Both drivers showcased their talent on the challenging Baku circuit, which added to the excitement of the race. Hamilton's recognition of their skills highlights the potential of these young racers in the competitive world of Formula 1. Hamilton's initial struggle to recall Colapinto's name did not overshadow his admiration for the young drivers. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent in the sport, expressing hope for their future success. Colapinto, visibly thrilled by Hamilton's acknowledgment, shared his excitement on social media, calling it a dream come true to shake hands with the seven-time world champion. The performances of Colapinto and Bearman not only impressed fans but also set a promising tone for their careers in Formula 1. As they continue to develop their skills, the racing community will be watching closely to see how they progress in the upcoming races.