‘Rewriting the record books in his own style’

How the new world champion champion is keen to put his personals tampon his career.

Lewis Hamilton is the greatest British Formula 1 driver of all time in terms of titles. Those are the bare facts, but the phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down. Already people are asking whether he could become the greatest of all time.

For the 32-year-old, that is something he dismisses. It is all about the here and now, although wrapping up his fourth world championship in Mexico with a ninth place finish in his Mercedes gave him reason to reflect on the path that he had already taken.

There have been 62 wins, a record number of 72 pole positions and those four crowns. But along the way, there have been difficult times, including his switch away from Mclaren to join Mercedes in 2013.

“Moving to this team at Mercedes, people thought it was a big risk and gamble, but I had every belief in my heart, 100 per cent belief in my heart, that it was the right thing to do,” says Hamilton. “Even if in the beginning it may have been difficult, I knew at some stage we would have this kind of success. And then just to see the team grow. It’s trickled down from the top, with great bosses, great board members who support the team one hundred per cent.

“I wonder how many people thought it was the worst move to go to Mercedes? Of course, the opinions have changed now – but isn’t it cool? Isn’t it cool to see someone take a risk like I did and it to come out the way it has? I’m really, really happy about it and proud of all the people that have helped me achieve it and looking forward to the future.”

This year has not been plain sailing, and one of the most painful moments of the season was after the F1 Live event in London in July.

While the entire F1 field turned up to demo cars in front of fans lining the street, Hamilton was missing, and there was a huge backlash.

The fans began to turn on Lewis, who had said he needed some rest and recuperation before the British Grand Prix. If you look at the facts, he then went on a run of six wins in eight races which ultimately led him to the position he is in now.

“When you’re going through difficult times or even good times, you wonder how much further to push,” says Hamilton. “Do you stop, do you turn around, do you turn left or right and go a different direction? When you eventually get there, you realise it was all worth it.

“The way I’ve prepared this year [has been different], contrary to what people may think. [I have] just doing it my own way. When you win a championship, in front of so many people, it just solidifies your belief in yourself and your family’s belief in you. So, I’m proud of all my family and it’s crazy to think that I’m continuing to stamp the Hamilton name in the history books.

“Beyond my time there will be kids that will know the name and that’s probably what I’m most proud of. I can’t even tell you what my dad did to help me get where I am today. No matter how many wins I get, no matter how successful I am, I can never pay that back, but I just try and grab it with both hands. I know also that there’s a lot of kids, a lot of people around the world, that are watching me, whether it’s for inspiration or for guidance, and so I’m trying to be the brightest light I can to shine that in their direction.”

For Hamilton himself, that journey to reach his full potential means that he takes pleasure in showing those who didn’t believe in him in the early days. That is something he is keen to point out too.

“When I was growing up, there’s a couple of teachers that said ‘you’re never going to amount to anything,’ so I wonder what they’re thinking now when they watch me today?” asks Hamilton. “For sure, they’re probably watching or at least they’ll read the news. I wonder if they’re thinking ‘I helped that young lad,’ or are they thinking ‘you know what, I regret what I said and I’ve grown from it.’ I hope that’s really the case. I hope they’ve grown though it. I hope that whoever’s kids they are teaching today, they’re encouraging them, rather than pulling them down.”

While he has been vindicated by claiming his record-breaking benchmark, there are always things to look forward to. More titles, and more records to be broken. There are comparisons to be made of course. While a fourth title elevates Lewis above all other British drivers to have competed at the highest level, there are other benchmarks. Michael Schumacher’s seven titles, for example, or the German’s 91 wins. He has already eclipsed his hero Ayrton Senna’s wins and titles, but Lewis is determined to do things in his own fashion.

“It’s a lot harder, I think, to stand out today in this world, because it’s all been done before,” says Lewis. “To do something different as a Formula 1 driver, not only be the greatest you can be as a racing driver but also do other things. Things like preparing your afterlife to be just as great, not as good because Formula 1 is just the pinnacle of the sport. You arrive on the biggest wave and afterwards there are going to be much smaller waves but that doesn’t mean you still can’t do great things. So doing something different that helps you stand out, that really highlights your individuality I think is really important and that’s really something I’m working on, so I’ll continue to race while I love it. As I’ve said, I’ve enjoyed it this year more than ever. I do think it would be so nice at some stage just to live in one place, a lot more socialising, walking your dogs every day or surfing, whatever it is, but staying in one place for a period of time.

“But then I’m thinking there’s a lot of life to live beyond 40, there’s a lot to go and so the balance is: I can’t come back to Formula 1, so there’s going to be a point in which OK, I’ve had enough. I’ve already been blessed and had such a wonderful time here in these 10 years.