Lewis Hamilton affirms he has ‘no friends’ once he’s inside the cockpit in F1
Lewis Hamilton has been a fierce competitor on track, which has been quintessential in the Brit winning seven world championships.
Lewis Hamilton (Via: Imago)
Lewis Hamilton is regarded as the out-and-out star of the Mercedes Formula 1 team. He is often spotted having fun with other drivers in the paddock and is understood to have great relations with his competitors. However, the Brit explained that this mentality soon wavers off as he claimed that he has no friends when he is inside the cockpit of his car.
The seven-time champion is one of the few drivers to have won multiple races this season. His might as a racer was able to garner interest from Ferrari, which was instrumental in the Brit signing the contract to move to Maranello in 2025. Despite being in his late 30s, his performance has not received a major hit which is often noted down to Hamilton’s mentality of never giving up.
Subsequently, when Lewis Hamilton was asked about his attitude toward other drivers, he revealed the lesson that was taught to him by his father.
You’re nice and friendly outside the car, but in the car my dad would say you have to be ruthless, aggressive, sharp. In the car there are no friends.
Lewis Hamilton said in an interview with TheSundayTimes
Anthony Hamilton told the seven-time champion in his junior racing days to be ruthless inside the car. Moreover, this teaching is still carried on by him, and asserted that when he is in the cockpit of his car, he views every other driver as a foe. Hamilton’s cockpit would change soon as he would wear red overalls from next year driving for Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton explains the danger of driving in the world of motorsports
On the other hand, F1 has evolved to be a safe sport over the years as the number of casualties has reduced significantly. Despite the advances, the danger of driving at high speeds always lurks in the distance.
The 39-year-old confessed that he was well aware of the threats posed by the world of racing and revealed his take on the situation.
I pray every time before I race. I pray that everyone is safe. I don’t, no. But still, we’re travelling at crazy speeds. You have to respect it. So that’s why I’m conscious of the time I spend with my family, with my mum, [like, is this] the last time I get to hug her? Because you just don’t know, nothing is guaranteed.
Lewis Hamilton said
Hamilton admitted that F1 poses a lot of dangers and uncertainty about whether he would get a chance to see his loved ones again. However, the FIA is making strides in improving safety and is determined to save lives while racing at lightning-fast speeds.
Apart from this, the Ferrari-bound driver is solely focused on making the most of his last year with Mercedes. Thus, he would like to get a few more podiums and wins if possible to bid a sweet farewell to the squad that he has been part of for more than a decade.
Geetansh Pasricha
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