Watch: Motorsport Legends Lewis Hamilton & Valentino Rossi Inspire Young Karter’s Creative Racing Number

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”.

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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.”

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