Hamilton in tears: “Just couldn’t understand it”

“When I crossed the line it hit me and I burst into tears. I just couldn’t understand it,” said the Brit. With his 7th World Cup triumph on Sunday, he equaled Michael Schumacher's all-time record.

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The 35-year-old Formula 1 superstar had the competition under control even under the most difficult conditions at the Turkish Grand Prix, but he no longer had himself under control. “I very rarely lose control. But in the last few laps I had to tell myself that I would hold on,” emphasized Hamilton after his 10th win of the season. “We’re watching you make history today.” Sebastian Vettel He also hid his teary eyes behind the mirrored visor in Istanbul when Sebastian Vettel was the first to kneel next to the black-painted Silver Arrow, shook his hand with respect and said: “We're watching you today as you make history. It's admirable.” Hamilton later explained that he didn't want people around the world to see his tears.

It took him a few minutes before the joy bubbled out of him, he took off his helmet, got out of his car and ran into the arms of his overjoyed Mercedes crew. Shortly before, he had completed the next milestone in his extraordinary career. The exceptional talent pushed the Mexican Sergio Perez in the Racing Point and former champion Vettel in the Ferrari into places 2 and 3. “I couldn't have done it better,” said Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff to his star driver. “He’s in the middle of his work and there’s more to come.” Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff After the fourth-to-last race of the season, Hamilton can no longer be pushed out of the lead. He has 307 World Cup points and is unassailable ahead of his stable rival Valtteri Bottas. In terms of sport, Hamilton has now reached the top and is statistically on a par with the greatest racing driver in history. There is no doubt that he can still overtake Schumacher if he continues his career as expected. The negotiations will gain momentum after winning the title. “We want him in the car and he wants the Mercedes,” said Wolff. Title number eight and perhaps more are possible. “He is in the middle of his work and there is still something to come,” said Wolff.

“To all the kids out there who dream of the impossible, you can do it!” said Hamilton. He wants to be a role model because as the first black champion in the premier motorsport class, he had to overcome many hurdles. “When I was younger there was no one in the sport who looked like me. "It was easy to think that it was impossible for me to be there," he said, adding: "I hope my performances show that it doesn't matter where you come from and you should dream big." From bon vivant to social role model But Hamilton has long been interested in other things than just a fast car. His perspective has not only continued since the outbreak of the Corona crisis. He wants to have a positive influence on people's lives, is actively involved in the fight against racism and for more diversity in society, and he is also concerned with climate and environmental protection. “The driver’s license doesn’t necessarily have an impact on people’s lives. Trying to improve conditions for people around the world – creating equal human rights – is the most important thing to me,” Hamilton said. Remarkable words from the convinced vegan, who has changed drastically in recent years. “He has developed a lot. As a driver and also as a person outside the car,” said Wolff.

Lewis Hamilton is committed to animal and environmental protection, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement. © APA/afp / KENAN ASYALI

Gone are the days of public flirtations with pop star Nicole Scherzinger; he has also given up his private jet and now prefers to use his social media channels, with more than 20,5 million followers on Instagram alone, primarily to draw attention to grievances. to present a fashion collection designed by him or music he composed himself. Or just for a few videos with his dog Roscoe. Records, records, records In terms of sport, Hamilton has long been the benchmark. He holds the records for most pole positions (97) and most Grand Prix victories (94). He won his first world title in a McLaren in 2008, followed by six more in a Mercedes in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and now in 2020. He suffered his only defeat in the Silver Arrow in 2016 when Nico Rosberg became champion and then ended his career.

Hamilton's father used to have four jobs at the same time so that little Lewis could pursue motorsports. They were laughed at because they wanted to realize their dream of Formula 1. “My father always said to let actions speak for themselves. I hope this performance spoke for itself," said Hamilton: "I'm very strong, but I couldn't do it without people like my father."

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Hamilton in tears: “Just couldn’t understand it”

Overwhelmed by a huge charge of emotions, the otherwise cool Lewis Hamilton simply cried under his helmet. When he took it off his head, the new old Formula 1 champion delivered images that will go down in motorsport history.

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