Hamilton on brink as he continues to ponder F1 future
IT’S MATCH point for Lewis Hamilton. The Englishman hopes to clinch his seventh world title at the Turkish Grand Prix this weekend, which would see him draw level with Michael Schumacher’s record haul.
The last time F1 raced at Istanbul Park, in 2011, both men were on the grid. Built in 2005, it may be a modern track but its corners are inspired by old-school circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and Interlagos.
The triple apex turn eight is one that’s spoken about with awe, perhaps now more than ever. Due to the increasing levels of downforce that’s occurred in the sport’s nine-year absence from this circuit, turn eight might possibly be taken flat-out now. That will mean a force of 50kg on the drivers’ necks for a full six seconds, which isn’t easy to sustain for 58 laps.
Even if championship rival and team-mate Valtteri Bottas wins (but fails to set the fastest lap), Hamilton just needs second place to secure the title. He has only failed to score in the top two three times this year.
Hamilton won here in 2010 when he was, in his words, ‘trundling along’ with McLaren, while Schumacher in the Mercedes silver arrow was struggling in the midfield. Few could have predicted Mercedes potential then but crucially Hamilton did. With seven consecutive constructors’ titles, sealed last time out at Imola, they have proven the most dominant F1 team in history, and moving to the team in 2013 proved an inspired leap of faith by the young man from Stevenage.
‘The convincing stage was when Ross [Brawn, former Mercedes team principal] came to my mum’s house, and sat with me in the kitchen and we had tea, and showed me what the plan was for the team,’ said Hamilton.
‘That was the “selling” point. I could only have dreamed [how far the team would take me]. It was far beyond my wildest dreams anyone would get to seven.’ Now, and not for the first time, he’s on the verge of achieving sporting history. It is unimaginable he won’t win the title as there are three more chances after Turkey. Less certain is if he will recommit to Mercedes and stay beyond this eighth season.
A fortnight ago he caused a stir by suggesting there was ‘no guarantee’ he’ll stick around. It is understood both parties plan to continue together but are waiting to settle the title before continuing talks. It is almost unheard of for a championship leader to get to November without a signed contract.
‘I believe I have the best contract that there is, in terms of how it’s structured and time management,’
I’m very conscious I do want to continue with Mercedes but nothing is set in stone
Hamilton said of his existing deal. ‘But I’m always looking to see how we can improve. How can I be more efficient? I’m very conscious I do want to continue with Mercedes. I would love to help them on this quest for pushing for change,’ he added, alluding to their commitments to diversity and clean energy, but ‘there’s not enough of it. So, there’s a lot to discuss’.
He is not simply asking for more money and holiday allowance. He is asking one of the biggest car companies in the world to do more to help the planet and the human race. You can’t knock his ambition, nor his sense of worth. ‘Nothing is set in stone. There’s always areas to improve. I love racing, I love the challenge, and I don’t think that’s going to change any time soon.’