Hamilton: “I’m better than before”

He is no longer quite the fighter he used to be, said 90-year-old Ecclestone about the multiple champion before the Silverstone GP. Hamilton, who is threatened with losing his supremacy this season, even agreed with Ecclestone. “I’m definitely no longer the driver I was when I started,” admitted Hamilton and added with world champion composure: “I’m better and know myself much better than before.”

Hamilton and Ecclestone now have a special relationship. Last year, the argumentative pensioner claimed that in many cases black people were more racist than white people. Hamilton, the only black person in a Formula 1 cockpit, then accused Ecclestone of ignorance. Hamilton is already thinking about the future The seven-time world champion is now motivated by more than just the longing for more victories. Even if this desire is of course still huge. “That's what I dream about and what I'm working towards,” Hamilton told the BBC about this eighth world title, with which he would even leave Michael Schumacher behind. “I am extremely driven. But it’s a big task.”

Hamilton, who has Caribbean roots on his father's side, is the record winner at Silverstone. He has to make up 32 points behind Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, who drives almost like a dream. 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. Advocates for more justice in sport: Lewis Hamilton. © APA/afp / MARK SUTTON

So what happens once he leaves the premier class of motorsport? His new contract runs until the end of 2023. Does he leave a legacy that transcends time and victories? This is where the study by an expert commission named after him comes into play. Hamilton wants to make it easier for minorities to enter motorsport. That would be the “most valuable thing” for him, he admitted. It should become “part of my legacy”. Is the turnaround coming at Silverstone? In the here and now on the track, Hamilton's challenge is 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 we can do better,” said Verstappen, who also knows that Silverstone has been Mercedes’ Formula 1 territory for years.

However, the new aerodynamic rules have set back the Silver Arrows, which, unlike the competition, drive with a lower rear position. Improvements should bring Hamilton back to the top. “There are a lot of changes to the car but it's not a massive update in terms of the gap we saw 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 closes the gap to the top on Sunday. “With all of these elements, I hope and pray that that is the case,” Hamilton said.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Hamilton: “I’m better than before”

Suggestions

Comments (0)