The seven-time world champion is no longer the fighter he used to be, the 90-year-old said.
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton actually didn't want to deal with comments from Bernie Ecclestone. After a week in which the Mercedes driver had denounced the disadvantages of minorities in motorsport with a commission report, the Englishman was confronted with the leaders of the former Formula 1 Zampano. Hamilton is no longer quite the fighter he used to be, said the 90-year-old about the 36-year-old before the Silverstone GP.
Hamilton, who threatens to lose his supremacy this season, even agreed with Ecclestone. “I'm definitely not the driver I was when I started,” admitted Hamilton and added with world-champion composure: “I'm better and know myself a lot better than before.”
Hamilton and Ecclestone now have a special relationship. Last year, the belligerent pensioner claimed that in many cases black people are more racist than white people. Hamilton, the only black in a Formula 1 cockpit, accused Ecclestone of ignorance.
The seven-time world champion is now driven by more than the longing for more victories. Even if this desire is of course still huge. “That's what I dream of and that's what I'm working towards,” said Hamilton of the BBC about this eighth world title, with which he would even leave Michael Schumacher behind. “I'm extremely driven. But it's a big job. “
Hamilton, who has Caribbean roots on his father's side, is the record winner at Silverstone. He has to catch up 32 points behind Max Verstappen, who drives almost like a dream in the Red Bull. Hamilton's fuel can also be found off the asphalt. “When I was younger, I wanted to be seen as one of the best Formula 1 drivers. But over time I have had success and the joy that comes with it is always short-lived, “said the 98-time Grand Prix winner.
So what remains when he leaves the premier class of motorsport? His new contract will run until the end of 2023. Does he leave a legacy beyond time and victory? This is where the study by a commission of experts named after him comes into play. Hamilton wants to make it easier for minorities to gain access to motorsport. That would be the “most valuable thing” for him, he admitted. It should be “part of my legacy”.
In the here and now on the track, Hamilton's challenge is called Verstappen. The Dutchman has won the last three Grand Prix. “Of course we were happy with the last few races, but we always look at the things that we can do better,” said Verstappen, who also knows that Silverstone has been Mercedes' Formula 1 territory for years.
The new aerodynamic rules have thrown back the Silver Arrows, which, in contrast to the competition, drive with a lower position of the rear. Repairs should bring Hamilton back to the front. “There's been a lot of changes to the car, but it's not a massive update in terms of the gap we've seen in the races. But it definitely helps us to close this gap quickly, ”said Hamilton.
And then the tens of thousands of fans should also do their part to ensure that the local hero melts the gap to the extreme on Sunday. “With all of these elements, I hope and pray that it does,” said Hamilton.
