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Lewis Hamilton Superstar. Seven-time Formula 1 champion, now the title record holder tied with Michael Schumacher.
He has been someone who has accompanied the Briton since his first race in the premier class. LAOLA1 columnist Gerhard Kuntschik. He has had the opportunity to interview Hamilton several times and talk about his successes and dreams. “The journalist’s revenge is the file,” applies in general, not just when it comes to politicians. In the case of Lewis Hamilton, it is not revenge, it is an interesting documentary. A review:
June 7, 2007, paddock at the Villeneuve circuit in Montreal, Canada
Hamilton was a rookie, still out of first place in Formula 1, but he seemed capable of winning in the McLaren-Mercedes and even led the World Championship ex aequo with his teammate Fernando Alonso. The interview appeared on Saturday. On Sunday, “stroke of luck”, Lewis won his first of 94 Grands Prix. Back then, I wrote in the “Salzburger Nachrichten” about the newcomer: “Lewis Hamilton rejects comparisons with the greats of Formula 1. But in one area he was very close to the champions of previous years even before his sixth Grand Prix. Sunday in Montreal: In the international media assault. Although his origins as the grandson of immigrants from the Caribbean island of Grenada, his skin color, his previous economic possibilities were seen by many as a disadvantage, all this now seems an advantage for the young Brit. Now it seems as if Formula 1 has been urgently awaiting this success story: the rise of a boy of humble origins with great talent and a goal-oriented father to become the new superstar of his sport. ” .
And Hamilton told me at the time, among other things: “I love street circuits and I had good experiences in Melbourne. I think I’m learning new courses very quickly by myself. I hope we can repeat the Monaco performance … Things appear new every race weekend. ” that I can improve. I was not expecting a third and four second places (until now). My best race was Melbourne because it was my first in Formula 1 and I finished in the top three. That was never closed I’m only 22, there will be much more to come. Michael (Schumacher) stopped at 38, I still have a lot of time left. I have to go step by step. And everything has to be fine. Surely my time will come … Sure I’m not here to finish second forever. “
June 19, 2014, Mercedes-Hospitality at the Red Bull Ring in Styria
Three days before the Austrian Grand Prix comeback, it was already clear that Mercedes would dominate the then new hybrid formula and that Hamilton would fight for his second world title. In response to my question, he explained how long Mercedes’ new superiority would last: “I can tell you what we are planning: it will last a long time!” And on the competition: “Ricciardo and Vettel are certainly doing their job very well, but it will probably be Nico.” And if two rivals fight for the title, can they still be friends? “As for Nico and me: we have known each other since we were 13 years old and have competed in various classes since then. We have built a friendly relationship on the tracks. But if you have an opponent in the race, you are in this situation. Certainly not anymore. He is his friend, but you can be outside the racetracks, although everyone has their own circle of friends, of course.
September 19, 2017, Fahrerlager Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
Hamilton had celebrated three wins in a row and was 28 points ahead of Ferrari driver Vettel in the World Cup. On the turning point of the season and expectations in advance, he said at the time: “The win at Silverstone (as a turning point) I guess. And after the summer break things went very well, with three successes since then. To be honest, I haven’t thought if it could be like this. ” Was he in the best shape of his career? “I would say that I am the most balanced at the moment.” And on the time after 2018, when the contract expired at that time: “I don’t know yet. I will certainly continue to compete and discuss the future in due course. Actually, I have no desire to drive non-racing race cars. Formula 1. No, I have no respect for others, I just lack the passion for it. For me, Formula E is one level below Formula Ford or Renault! Formula E is even slower. ” And about the management style of your bosses Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff? “They are the best bosses you can imagine. Everything you see here on the team is thanks to them. Working with them is great.”
On energy and leisure activities: “I am in the fortunate position to have a lot of energy in me. Even when I have a day off, I wonder: Why don’t you do that or can I add something?” I am productive on a day that sit. Once again at home in Monaco, I leave my luggage at the door and take a deep breath. And I turn on the television. In the kitchen, I see more than in the living room. Me. “I love watching movies. Otherwise, I enjoy being outside – riding a motorcycle or snowboarding in winter.” And on politics: “I’m not a political person at all, but I have my opinion and I stand by it. Of course I watch the news, but sometimes I find politics really boring. Now there are weird guys in America and elsewhere, and Brexit “. seems to go completely wrong. I don’t know how all this will turn out. But everyone should defend their opinion. When I post something, I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. But I show that this is my side, that it is my point of view. It’s okay if someone doesn’t agree with me. “
Athlete protests were already topical in 2017 in the US, if one of them would also be conceivable for him? “I haven’t thought about it yet, but yes, it should be considered. Of course, the anthem that will be played before the Austin race is not mine … I’ve never voted. I can’t move anything with my own voice anyway. “
June 19, 2018, Red Bull Ring
Hamilton on the next contract extension, if it will be the last in Formula 1 and his teammate Valtteri Bottas: “I have not decided yet. I am not clear either. But I do not expect it to be the last. Preference About my future teammate? Yes. My current teammate, of course. We work well together, he pushes me to the limit. He’s perfect. ” Are you afraid of setbacks? “That would be a negative attitude. I try to keep something like that out of my thoughts. But I am fully aware that it can happen.”
Did you achieve everything you had hoped for? “Not all dreams have come true. And you keep dreaming again. I am missing number five right now (fifth world title, note). That is currently the biggest challenge.” What if he can beat or beat Schumacher’s record of seven world championships? “Not really, because I don’t know if I’ll be racing that long. I think four titles are a big milestone so far. It would be great to catch up with Fangio (with five, note).”
On the state and future of Formula 1, Hamilton said more than two years ago: “There is too great a difference between the teams in terms of their financial base. Ferrari can do whatever it wants. Formula 1 is definitely not perfectly positioned. I hope That will be different with the new contracts (from 2021, note). That talented young drivers have more opportunities than those with a lot of money. That also applies to other series. I would take a closer look at the Formula 1 structure, he would have to determine. And he would replace some people. In large companies, those responsible who fail are fired. It also happens with racing drivers. Not so in the management of our sport. I would look at it more up close. First the structure, the basis of the teams Then the car and technology. How could we do our races, like in karting or in cars, wheel to wheel, close duels? Real races, it is or it would be super exciting, for drivers and spectators. There are only limited sets of tires, the cars don’t sound good, they went the wrong direction! Hmmm, that’s a long list … Yes! Lots of hiring and firing! I’d hire someone like Toto (Wolff) to run it. “
Text as: © LAOLA1.at
Lewis Hamilton is Formula 1 World Champion for the seventh time!
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