Hamilton warns his best is yet to come
THE props of his life were showing up here as Lewis Hamilton edged towards one of the greatest achievements in the history of British sport.
Like the old days, father Anthony was in the paddock with his wife Linda — tucking into beans for breakfast — while mother Carmen is joining them to witness their son become, surely, Formula One world champion for a sixth time.
Anthony was a pacing, fretting picture of paternal concern in the early years when the season came down to final races at Sao Paulo. In 2007, Lewis missed out by a point in a remarkable debut season. In 2008, he won his first championship at the final corner by the same slender margin.
Both Lewis and Anthony could afford to be a little more relaxed here at the Circuit of the Americas than back then in Brazil.
Hamilton needs to only finish eighth in tomorrow’s US Grand Prix to be guaranteed the prize for the fifth time in six years, with two races to spare.
Yesterday he promised many more years of the relentless same — and at Mercedes, not Ferrari.
This season’s championship die was cast early, when Hamilton won six of the first eight races as
Ferrari fumbled, and the outcome has never been in doubt since. No fireworks, only four poles, but he has been consistent.
When the sun sets in the Lone Star state tomorrow, he will have won twice as many titles as the next Briton in the list, Sir Jackie Stewart, and more than anyone but Michael Schumacher, on seven.
‘I never thought I would have five titles,’ said Hamilton, 34. ‘I am continuing to create dreams that I didn’t think I would have.
‘If I am able to get the sixth it would be unreal. I am going to be racing for several more years and I want to win every year. I don’t think
I have hit my peak yet, so that is comforting.
‘Believe me, I will be pushing more than ever in these following years.’
Referring to the likes of Red Bull’s fiery Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s icy Charles Leclerc, he said: ‘The youngsters are in town. I am planning to be here and to continue to get stronger.
‘Nothing is set in stone for my future but I love what I’m doing now and don’t see any reason to stop.
‘I don’t see myself going anywhere else. I love being here at Mercedes. I love being part of the brand and the history.’