Hamilton had Cool response at start
LEWIS HAMILTON has spoken of how he was looked at like a character from the film Cool Runnings when he first made his foray into motor racing.
Hamilton, who led the morning practice session yesterday ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix tomorrow, detailed how little support he and his father received in those early days.
“When they pull out that rubbish bobsled and everyone stops and says ‘What the hell?’ I swear on my life when my dad and I showed up, everyone stopped and looked at us just like that,” said Hamilton in a candid interview with ESPN.
“And when my dad had to go around to find sponsorships and ask people if they would like to sponsor the first black F1 driver, I’m not sure they laughed like in Cool Runnings, but certainly not many people supported us.” Hamilton also spoke on what he perceives to be the difference between him and other drivers in the F1 paddock.
He has drawn much criticism for his celebrity lifestyle, which includes his love of social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram.
“They wake up and breathe racing. But that’s not what this is all about. You have to enjoy it,” he said.
“No one gets to the end and wishes they had more money. When my time comes, I want to say, ‘I had a good life. I did everything I possibly could’.”
And on fans’ reaction, he said: “I don’t get it. When I meet people and they’re star-struck with me, I find it weird.
“Of course I’ve met people I’ve admired, like Nelson Mandela, but not to the point of screaming and passing out.”
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