Hamilton ED:27 APR 25/6/09 08:40 Page 123
having seen his already brimming potential. At only 13 years old, Lewis was
enrolled in the McLaren and Mercedes-Benz Young Driver Support Pro-
gram, setting him on the path to a long-term future in motorsports and ig-
niting his hunger to make his dream a reality.
Reports of his success spread rapidly. In 2001 Michael Schumacher
made a one-off return to carts in which he raced Lewis. Although the
soon-to-be-star only came fifth, Schumacher was impressed with such
great skills at such a young age: “He’s a quality driver, very strong and
only 16,” he exclaimed. “If he keeps this up I’m sure he will reach F1.
It’s something special to see a kid of his age out on the circuit. He’s clearly
got the right racing mentality.”
His passion for racing began during those early years, but it was by no
means his sole sporting activity. In an attempt to combat local bullies’ at-
tention following his success, Lewis took up karate –another arena in which
to channel his competitive trait. Once again, he excelled, and by the time he
was twelve he gained his first black belt in the sport.
His transition from a karting racer to Formula One champion is owed en-
tirely to his determinate and competitive nature. During his first season in
Formuala One Lewis set numerous records and finished second in the 2007
Formula One Championship, only one point behind Kimi Räikkönen. Only
a year later he won his first world championship at the following season.
You did a great finish as fourth in Bahrain, how did that make you feel?
Were you expecting such a success? How will you overcome the difficulties
of the Barcelona track?
“We went into Bahrain knowing that it would possibly suit our package,
particularly the low-speed corners, heavy braking zones and long straights,
and I knew that I would have to grab the opportunity with both hands, so I
just kept pushing through all the practice sessions, into qualifying and for
every single lap of the race. Yes, it was a good result – but it was a result
that we absolutely fought for!”
You received some huge support from Fernando Alonso. Were
you surprised, following the turbulent season of 2007?
“I’ve always said that Fernando and I got on very well during the 2007
season, but even so Fernando’s comments in Spain were incredible and
much appreciated. Yes, it was a tough year, but we both enjoyed push-
ing each other like crazy. At the end of the day, Fernando is a fantastic
driver and a great world champion – a guy I looked up to when I was in
the junior series climbing up towards F1. Without a doubt, he is one of
the very best drivers in the sport.”
Which track is your favorite to race on?
“Monaco – nothing else comes close! The feeling you get when you shave
the barriers on a hot-lap, and you do have to touch them to be fast, is in-
credible – you just can’t describe it. Your adrenaline is flowing and your
100 Thousand Club 123
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