The Truth about Lewis Hamilton

The following article will be of interest to everyone who has heard of Lewis Hamilton......

It is so frustrating to see and hear the media describe Lewis as the first black Formula One driver and use this as the main angle to sell their stories. WHY?? It is all true, Lewis is the first black Formula One driver but there is a much better story to be had from him, not that he is black but that he is actually very good at what he does. Lewis Hamilton

Many of you will have followed Lewis' progress throughout the 2006 season of GP2, but unless you are a serious motorsport fan you may not have heard of him before that. It is what went on before GP2 that is important and how Lewis conducted himself then that set the foundations for his career in motor racing.

I raced with Lewis for eight years in Karting and from the age of seven he has been winning races. He has always had the right attitude and drive to be at the front and this extended way beyond motor racing. What set him apart from others during the Karting days was that he very quickly realised, a lot quicker than others, is that motor racing is all in the head. He believed he was the best and was able to mirror this thought on the track.

I remember when I was 10 and Lewis was 11, at a Super One Kart meeting held in Huntingdon where we were both racing. I was speaking to Tony (Lewis's Dad) on the dummy grid and after the conversation he looked at my dad and said: "Mike will go far, he knows how to speak properly." He continued: "If you don't know what to say at the right time and conduct yourself in the right manner, it doesnt matter how good you are, the people you need to show interest in you will not." Lewis has been brought up with this in mind and is one reason why he is so good in front of the media and has won over the hearts of the British public. He has been brought up to know how to behave towards people around him. It does not matter whether these people are fans or the World Media, Lewis knows what to say.

With regards to this year, the media are suggesting that all the presure is on Lewis to perform, when actually this is not the case. The pressure is on Fernando Alonso to outperform Lewis. This is a point which has not been picked up on and is how Lewis will be looking at it. The truth is, Alonso knows, McLaren knows, the people who know Lewis know and most importantly, Lewis knows that he is going to be far more impressive this year than the viewing public are expecting. How it affects Fernando throughout the year will be interesting to watch.

For those of you who like a safe bet, I would suggest popping along to your nearest bookies and putting a hefty sum down on Mr Hamilton for a top three finish in the 2008 World Drivers Championship. Believe me, the boy is good.

MC

Copyright: © Michael Chen, Monday 12th March 2007