© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Lewis Hamilton reveals how he balances his Formula 1 career with his many outside interests, becoming the most successful F1 driver ever in the process.
Not only is Lewis the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1, but he also leads a very prolific life outside the sport. The Briton has his own fashion line with Tommy Hilfiger, produces music, champions equality and much more. How does he balance it all?
“It’s not easy,” said Hamilton in a Formula1.com interview.
“With great difficulty. People may think it looks easy, but I tell you man it’s far from it. It has taken a long, long time to be as good as I am.
“I think I’ve always had the talent. I have probably always had the tools, but I’ve been messing around in the toolbox not knowing what to do with those tools. I’ve been fine tuning them. And I think it’s just focusing on things.
“Every year, I write down where I’m not great, as there are plenty of places I’m not great, and then ask ‘so how do we do that?’
“I’m not great at communicating sometimes, so I how can I do that better with Bono and the guys? How can I be more positive every time I come to work and be more uplifting rather than drag on people? In the car, how can I better understand all the buttons?
“It’s a lot of studying, I’ve done more this year than I would have done last year [because of the restrictions that came with the COVID-19 crisis].
“I never understood that when I was younger, I’d just arrive and drive. The amount of homework I do in the background is probably the reason you see the results that I get today.”
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
However Lewis acknowledges that his success in Formula 1 would not be possible without people he is surrounded by.
“I’m humbled by all the people who are behind me. There is a huge workforce behind me. I really couldn’t do it weekend in weekend out without every single person, whether it’s the cleaning ladies, they are such lovely people, so supportive and on the edge of [their] seat with me.
“They are just as important as an aerodynamicist or someone in the carbon shop. Everyone is as important as each other.
“We are all part of this massive chain and if one link is more working, the thing doesn’t work and you see that in other places.
“We have all these strong links, and I’m really proud of every single person. What we have done, no one else has done.”
Hamilton’s support system extends to his family as well.
“Naturally, often the first person I call is my dad. In my experience, the mother-son relationship is something so unique, and I’m very close to my mum. Feel like she’s really in my heart.
“With my dad, he’s always been that rock, the guy I have always wanted to improve for, the guy I wanted to make proud. It has not been an easy job, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way as it has made me the person I am.
“He is the guy I wanted to call [after my title win], as he is the guy who didn’t give up. That’s something special.
“I want to be that for all other kids out there, for my kids, for my niece and nephews. I want to be that strength, that guiding light if possible, to help them realise that we should dream big.
“Don’t restrict yourself, that’s what my dad always said,” concluded the seven-time champion.
