Drivers in Formula 1 are recognized by their racing numbers. Behind each number lies a story and why it’s so personal to them. And a young karter from France has shown his admiration for Lewis Hamilton. Six-and-a-half-year-old Amine Pantoli recently revealed why he races with the number 45 on his kart. 

Explaining that, “Lewis Hamilton races with the number 44 and Valentino Rossi raced with 46, and they are legends, so I chose this number.” He even said that drivers like Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly are his inspiration. 

Amine is a big fan of Lewis Hamilton and even got the chance to meet him. In August 2021, at the Belgium Grand Prix, he crossed paths with Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time Formula One world champion had posted a photo of their meeting on Instagram, accompanied by the mention “Love this kid”.

“Like He’s Been Here Forever”: Wolff Gets Candid on Working With Mercedes F1 Debutant George Russell

Nicknamed “Mini Lewis” or also “Minin Amineton”, the young Frenchman has proved that he has what it takes to make it to Formula One. Racing in a series where kids are on an average eight or ten years old, Amine sure has a challenge in front of him. And he seems to be coping with it well too as he managed to finish eight out of seventeen in his first-ever championship. 

How Lewis Hamilton continues to inspire kids

Lewis Hamilton is an icon, and he continues to inspire people around the world. On the day he rivaled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles, he had set a benchmark. Post winning his title, he had a very simple message for the kids out there. 

“I think it’s so important for kids out there to hopefully see this and know don’t listen to anyone who tells you can’t achieve something, dream the impossible and speak it into existence. You’ve got to work for it, you’ve got to chase it and never give up, never doubt yourself.”

Trending

F1 Fans Slam Insecure Fernando Alonso For Playing Race Card Against Lewis Hamilton in Miami

May 04, 2024 08:52 PM EDT

Carlos Sainz Misses Lando Norris’ Miami GP Celebrations to Get Potential Audi Move Completed

May 06, 2024 08:13 PM EDT

MET Gala 2024: Lewis Hamilton Turns Garden of Time Into Bold Tribute to Black History in $5.3 Billion Brand’s Outfit

May 07, 2024 02:06 AM EDT

Lando Norris’ Rumored GF Magui Caught ”Keeping an Eye” Despite 3000 Miles Separating The Lovebirds

May 05, 2024 01:30 PM EDT

“This Is a Joke Right?”: Rebecca Donaldson and Alexandra Saint Mleux’s Endorsement of F1 Academy Leaves Fans Fuming

May 04, 2024 08:09 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

WATCH THIS STORY: Toto Wolff Swears, Valtteri Bottas Bares: Funniest Moments From Drive to Survive

Lewis is truly an icon that stars of the future will look up to when donning their racing suits.