“They laughed at us, now we’re here”

Lewis Hamilton dominates Formula 1 to his liking. World title seven could follow on Sunday. For the British driver, he shouldn’t be the last in Mercedes.

Of course, he would be “incredibly proud to reach the level of an icon like Michael Schumacher,” says Lewis Hamilton. World title number seven in Formula 1 is very close. Another victory on Sunday in Istanbul is enough to do what only world record champion Schumacher has achieved so far.

When the German set the Ferrari record in 2004, he was considered unassailable. A milestone for the ages. But the insatiable Hamilton will not only catch up with Schumacher, but should overtake him in the coming years. It’s not over yet, after the triumph the contract extension should follow.

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Racing is no longer everything in the life of the 35-year-old Mercedes driver. “The driver’s title doesn’t necessarily have an impact on people’s lives. Trying to improve conditions for people around the world – to create equal human rights – is the most important thing for me, ”Hamilton said before the Turkish Grand Prix.

This year, in particular, he showed his face in the fight against racism and oppression, as well as for greater diversity, and he used his reach on social media: 20.5 million followers on Instagram alone.

Only Rosberg could hold a candle to Hamilton

In training on Friday, Hamilton, like everyone else, had problems with the slippery track and finished only fourth. The tires did not adhere to the new surface as usual. “It was a bit of a disaster,” said Hamilton. “The tires still don’t work.” However, the long-term winner did not fear a bad race.

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Setbacks are rare because he’s always in control. Only Nico Rosberg managed to defeat his childhood friend Hamilton during his stint with the silver arrows in 2016 and crown himself world champion. The relationship between the two suffered rivalry, Rosberg resigned shortly after his triumph and denied his stable rival the possibility of revenge.

And so Hamilton has since driven in his own league, already holds the record for most pole positions (97) and most Grand Prix wins (93). He won his first world title in a McLaren in 2008, followed by five more in a Mercedes in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

“They laughed at us”

All of this was out of the question when he – the boy Stevenage – got into his kart as a child and just wanted to drive. “We didn’t start with anything,” writes Hamilton on Instagram under a photo with his father. Anthony Hamilton had four jobs simultaneously to finance his son’s hobby.

She was mocked for her dream of getting into Formula 1. “But we packed it like a family and we never gave up.” What do these people think of him from now on? Hamilton asked rhetorically.

It has already entered the motorsport history books. Although his achievements aren’t always as recognized as Schumacher’s. “To be honest: 90 percent of drivers would win with this car,” said Red Bull driver Max Verstappen last. The statement was not meant to detract from Hamilton’s performance, but the Dutchman – like so many others – is bothered by boredom in Formula 1. “He’s a great driver, but this car is so dominant,” Verstappen said.

Hamilton is far from over

Mercedes have won seven manufacturers ‘titles in a row, now the seventh drivers’ championship will follow. Not good enough for Hamilton. “I think there are always areas where you can improve,” he said on the Bosphorus: “I love running. I love the challenge. And that won’t change anytime soon.”

His contract expires at the end of the year. In the case of an extension, however, it is not just about the passenger compartment of the Mercedes, but also about its role in society. It wants to help ensure that mobility becomes greener, that there will be more cars with electric motors in the future, and that more is done for diversity. “There aren’t enough. So there is a lot to talk about, “Hamilton said. The resignation currently does not play a role, although nothing has been signed:” I have the idea of ​​continuing with Mercedes.