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Legends LeBron James and Lewis Hamilton Stacked Up in an Elite List as MotoGP Champ Reveals Favorite Athletes

Published 01/02/2023, 2:05 PM EST

If Formula 1 was to ever release a list of the most inspirational drivers that have driven in the sport, Lewis Hamilton would arguably top that list. The 7x Champion has overcome unimaginable adversity throughout his career, and still manages to win! Even though the last two years are a blot on his stellar career, they’re only that on paper. Fans who follow the sport know that he is one of the GOATs of F1. That being said, Hamilton isn’t an inspiration to only Formula 1 fans. He’s a figure other world-class racers also look up to!

MotoGP’s first-ever French Champion, Fabio Quartararo, as it would appear, is a big Lewis Hamilton fan! The rider, who races for Yamaha Motor Racing in the premier motorcycle racing series, was asked about his inspirations. Lewis Hamilton was the first on his list!

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He was quoted by Grandepremio.com.br saying, “Although it has been a difficult year for him, I admire Lewis Hamilton’s career in Formula 1. Along with Valentino Rossi in motorcycling and Cristiano Ronaldo in football, he is one of the athletes that inspires me.” [translated via Google Translate]

But that isn’t it. The 2021 MotoGP Champion takes inspiration from another GOAT of the sporting world. He revealed, “In the NBA, I follow… LeBron James, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers” amongst other NBA stars.”

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Even after such high praise, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Hamilton topped Quartararo’s list. Undoubtedly, Lewis Hamilton’s earned it!

Lewis Hamilton attributes his underprivileged beginnings to his current F1 success

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Lewis Hamilton never had it easy. When he started in go-karts, his father struggled with 4 jobs. His entry into F1 hasn’t been easy, too. By his own admission, he’s faced myriad obstacles due to his ethnicity. And even after becoming a 7x Champion, his struggles don’t give up. But if he is the record-breaker he is today, it’s because of these hardships.

He told Wired.co.uk, “I think what makes me the driver I am today, yes it’s the ability, but I would say it’s the hunger. I’m so grateful for it, man. If we didn’t have that struggle I couldn’t drive the way I do today. I don’t like the idea of someone trying to mess with my mind, because I’m strong, and I know I’m strong enough and capable enough. I’ve done it my whole life.”

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WATCH THIS STORY: Mercedes React to FIA’s admission of “Human Error” in the Verstappen-Hamilton Scandal

Lewis Hamilton is the undisputed GOAT of Formula 1. But can he go that extra step and establish himself as the driver with the most F1 World Championships?

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Written by:

Anirban Aly Mandal is a Formula 1 Author at EssentiallySports. In his pursuit for a Bachelor's degree in Law from Symbiosis Law School, he has written multiple academic papers centered around the domain of motorsports. Not only that, but due to his love for F1, he aims to work as a legal advisor in the most prestigious racing series in the world some day.

Edited by:

Ranvijay Singh

Legends LeBron James and Lewis Hamilton Stacked Up in an Elite List as MotoGP Champ Reveals Favorite Athletes

Lewis Hamilton attributes his underprivileged beginnings to his current F1 success

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