Hamilton ED:27 APR 25/6/09 08:40 Page 126
pectations and finished third but, following discrepancies regarding an message people on it, which is fantastic. I also use Skype on my
illegal pass, Lewis was shamefully disqualified. He came back with Lenovo to talk to people – so there are no excuses for not staying in
dignity in the Malaysian Grand Prix, the second race of the season, touch!”
and finished seventh, sixth in the Chinese Grand Prix and fourth in Lewis’ personal life is no less exciting and fast-paced off the track
the Bahrain Grand prix. Most recently, Lewis finished ninth at than it is on. He has become a celebrity in his own right, but not just
Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya in May, a great finish given his dif- for his racing success, he has become loved by the public and media
ficulties during the 2009 season. worldwide for his unwavering humility and endless modesty. There is
He achieved a sensationalist popularity unlike any seen before no girl that wouldn’t date him and no sponsor that wouldn’t partner
for a F1 driver. His arrival to success in a relatively short space of with him – Reebok carefully selected him last year to join them in a
time was what made him the ‘people’s person’ within the UK and multi-year contract as the brand’s ambassador. As the tournament
across the world, and his commitment to being nothing less than num- cups on his shelf mount, so does his bank account. With an estimated
ber one led to a whopping amount of media attention and an inspired earning of £10 million pounds in 2008 in sponsorships alone, he
fan base which followed him through to his greatest moment in 2008. takes the title as the second highest-paid British sports star with
He not only won, but won in glorious style, and is the only man in David Beckham taking pole position. Reebok were certainly wise to
Formula One history to finish in the top three in his first four race, use this well loved driver as their ambassador; Vodafone and Tag
youngest F1 World Champion, most pole positions in his debut season Heuer have been quick to snap him up, with a further number of com-
and many, many more. panies clamoring to have his face to their name.
Not only just a sportsman, he’s also known to be a fan of reading
You travel all round the world, where’s your favorite destination – having written his own autobiography at only 22 – as well as part-
abroad? What are some of your favorite hotels and activities? ing with friends, watching DVDs and playing guitar. His relation-
“We’re very lucky to visit some fantastic places around the world – it’s ship with Nicole Scherzinger, front-singer of the Pussycat Dolls, has
still a privilege to meet fans from all the different countries, and to hear brought huge paparazzi attention, but just as with everyone else, the
their stories. I loved visiting Canada and the USA when they were on attention does not seem to shake his clear mind from its focus, and
the calendar – Montreal is a fantastic city and it will always be special they certainly aren’t shy to show the odd loving kiss. He remains
to me because I won my first grand prix there and I’d love for it to get true to his Grenadian roots with his love of reggae and hip-hop, nam-
back on the calendar because the fans there are incredible. I also love ing De La Soul, Bob Marley, The Roots and Beenie man as some of
Japan – the culture and the food is amazing. Fuji is a great circuit too and his favorites; and he’s sure to be a fan of Nicole’s music too!
I really cannot wait to race at Suzuka for the first time later this year – I Despite losing recent success to fellow Briton and Brawn driver,
think it will be fantastic.” Jenson Button, the Circuit de Catalunya awarded Lewis a plaque in
his honor in May this year. The award was given in response to the
Where you do you like to shop/eat/go out when you’re back in racist attacks he suffered only a year before at the Spanish track.
the UK? Lewis’ compassion for both political and moral issues, as well as
“I don’t really spend too much time doing things like that when I’m being consistently caring to his fans, has further attributed to his
at home. To be honest, I like to spend time with my family – and celebrity success – but just as with his astounding rise to fame, Lewis
Linda’s (step mother) Sunday roast still beats going to any restaurant has always remained with his feet on the ground. In acknowledgment
in the world – honestly!” of not only his fans, but also of others wanting to follow in his foot-
steps, Lewis is in the process of developing and establishing the
Does the constant traveling affect your personal life; do you Foundation: a non-profit making organization. The charity will focus
find it hard to date/ stay in touch with family and friends? on improving the lives and opportunities of children and young peo-
“Of course, it can be tough on your family and friends to be away ple currently living in ill health or poverty in the UK, as well as in
from home for so long. But everybody is used to it – even when I was Europe and developing countries. Through efforts like these, and his
karting, I used to travel abroad regularly so it’s nothing new. I’m continued positive relationship with his fans, Lewis has truly estab-
lucky that Vodafone is our title partner because it means I can al- lished him as an all-round, all-loved player. If he’s not winning on the
ways stay in touch and they’ve given me a Vodafone Blackberry track, he’s winning favor in the public sphere, and we expect his star
Storm to stay in touch with all my friends and family. You can instant to continue to rise. square6
126 100 Thousand Club
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