Amidst a career adorned with accolades and groundbreaking achievements, Lewis Hamilton has pinpointed the most treasured instance from his time in Formula 1.
With over a hundred race victories and seven world championships since his debut in 2007, Hamilton’s choice for his “favourite” moment may come as a surprise to many.
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Contrary to expectations, Hamilton, a champion at McLaren and Mercedes, didn’t select any of his spectacular wins or championship victories as his most esteemed moment. Instead, he highlighted the very start of his F1 journey as the pivotal point of his career, a journey that he embarked on with the unwavering support of his father, Anthony, right from his early karting days.
In a candid session on the Mercedes YouTube channel, Hamilton reminisced about his initial foray into F1. He reflected on the profound impact his debut win at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix had, not just on his career but significantly on his father, who had been his pillar of support throughout his racing journey.
“My favourite moment was just getting to Formula 1, you know, we just couldn’t believe it,” Hamilton said.
“There were so many dark and tough moments where we really thought that it was it and it was not going to happen.
“And we just never gave up. Seeing my dad when I won my first race in Montreal looking down at him on the podium, was so validating to know that all the late nights, the travelling that we did, the adversity that we faced, just felt like it was all worthwhile.”
As Hamilton prepares for the upcoming 2024 season, starting next month in Bahrain, he is focused on breaking the winless streak that has persisted since the end of the 2021 season. This revelation of his “favourite” moment offers a glimpse into the personal and emotional dimensions of Hamilton’s career, showcasing that for him, the essence of his F1 journey extends beyond the trophies and podiums. It’s a testament to the deep bond he shares with his father and the shared dream that they turned into a resounding reality, marking the commencement of what would become one of the most illustrious careers in the history of Formula 1.
Hamilton’s story is a reminder of the importance of foundational moments and their enduring impact on an athlete’s career and life.
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