The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Formula One: Champion celebrates victory and reveals sad family news
Lewis Hamilton secured a fifth world title only days after the death of his grandfather, but the Briton believes Michael Schumacher is Formula One’s greatest ever drive.
Hamilton draped himself in the Union Flag in Mexico City on Sunday, after becoming only the third driver to win five titles.
He equalled Juan Manuel Fangio’s tally and move to within two titles of Schumacher’s record.
But the 33-year-old later revealed his title triumph had played out against a backdrop of family tragedy.
“This has actually been a really difficult weekend because my grandfather died on Thursday morning,” Hamilton said.
Davidson emigrated from Grenada to London in 1955, taking up work on the Underground.
On the Caribbean island he was known as the fastest man on two wheels due to his passion for speed and motorbikes.
Hamilton also paid tribute to his father, Anthony, who worked four jobs to fund his junior career, but from whom he had an acrimonious managerial split nine years ago.
“I will always remember and I will never forget the things that he did in order for me to be here today,” Hamilton added.
“All the work that he put in, my grandfather would be so proud, and I am proud to have the Hamilton name up there.”
The Mercedes star has more pole positions than anybody else, and is 20 victories shy of Schumacher’s record win tally.
Hamilton could conceivably surpass the German by the time his Mercedes deal expires in 2020.
“Michael’s quite far ahead in terms of race wins so you have to say he is still the GOAT (greatest of all time),” the Briton added.
“Fangio is the godfather and always will be, but I feel very honoured to have my name alongside his, that’s for sure.”
Hamilton, awarded an MBE after his maiden championship in 2008, is not entertaining thoughts about another trip to Buckingham Palace.
“A knighthood is really not something that is on my mind,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate and very grateful to have met the Queen on a couple of occasions.
“When I’m on the podium I look back and see the Union Jack and I’m very proud to raise that flag.”