Lewis Hamilton Calls Out F1 Legends Who Criticised Him and Vows to Be Different

For Lewis Hamilton, the journey has always been more important than the destination. Having said that, he has undoubtedly relished the decade-long campaign that saw him win 5 Drivers’ Championship titles.

Only a few days back did he reach the historic milestone of equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 victories. Safe to say, Hamilton was very pleased by the ‘special’ win that effectively etched his name in the sport’s history books.

However, when you reach a certain level of success and greatness, there is a tendency for comparison and contrasts with others.

Lewis Hamilton will only encourage the younger drivers

The 35-year-old Briton is no longer the hot-headed rookie he once was. Hamilton declared that when his successors enjoy more success and build on his records, he will not malign or criticize them in any way.

He was quoted as saying, “In 20 years, or whenever, when I look back, I promise, I will not malign a young driver who is currently celebrating successes. As an older driver, I think our job is to encourage them.

“You still have very rigid ideas. I don’t know why. Maybe one day you will get over it. I have a lot of respect for the past and the legends, including those who continue to be negative about speak to me.

“There will be other riders [after me], whether that will be Max or someone else who will chase the records I set. I can’t wish or hope for him not to break them. That would be the wrong approach.” (translated from Google Translate)

Hamilton on the same page as Schumacher now?

After the Eifel Grand Prix, it is hard to not make a case for that statement. Solely in terms of numbers, they now, of course, have the same number of career race victories.

From a bigger picture perspective, Hamilton’s brilliant form means it impacts this season’s standings as well. In that regard, it is hard to see anybody stop him from equaling the German powerhouse’s tally of 7th World Drivers’ Championships.