No Formula 1 driver can reach the premier class without the support of their family. Why? Because a Formula 1 driver starts at a young age through karting. This was exactly the case with Lewis Hamilton as well. However, his father’s contribution was greater because of their humble beginnings. This is exactly why their split as driver and manager was especially hard for Anthony Hamilton to take.

Anthony Hamilton worked two jobs and spent countless hours on his karts to get Lewis where he is today. After his promotion to the premier class, Hamilton’s father became his manager. However, that was causing a rift in their relationship. So in 2010, Hamilton fired his father from the manager’s post.

This rocked their relationship for a while. However, the father understood it was time to step away, as you can tell by his conversation with CBS News.

“I couldn’t understand it. What do you mean you don’t need me? So that hit me pretty hard. But it was — it was probably the best thing. You know, he’s not a boy anymore. He wasn’t a kid anymore. He was a Formula One world champion,” said Anthony Hamilton.

Anthony Hamilton even disclosed the possible reason behind the Mercedes man’s decision. “My desire for him to be so successful took me over from being the father to more manager,” he explained.

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Hamilton’s father believed being a manager was hampering his father-and-son relationship. Something Hamilton also agrees as he revealed his thoughts in the same interview.

Lewis Hamilton reveals the reason behind firing his father as his manager

Speaking in the same interview, Hamilton also disclosed the reason behind firing his father as his manager. His comments echo the same thought his father conveyed.

“So it was a point where I was like, “Dad, I just want you to be my dad.” And — that was incredibly hard for him to take and it was hard for me to — to — to be able to — to do it. It — had to be a hard break at the time,” said the world champion.

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Despite the initial emotionally charged breakup, the two moved past it and Anthony Hamilton is a proud father again. Do you think it was the right decision by Hamilton?