Lewis Hamilton

19.11.2020

Ladies and gentlemen!

Today, I would like to introduce you to one of my favourite currently active sportsmen: British racing driver Lewis Hamilton who has just won his seventh Formula One Championship.

I haven't always been a fan of Lewis Hamilton. Having grown up in Germany, I was a supporter of Michael Schumacher in my childhood and teenage years. After a break from Formula One for about five years at the beginning of the last decade, I became a big fan again and supported Canadian driver Lance Stroll when attending two Grand Prix weekends in Montreal. However, nowadays I can't deny being a fan of the great things Lewis Hamilton has accomplished. Here are some elements that have impressed me a great deal.

First of all, Lewis Hamilton finished second in his maiden Formula One Championship back in 2007, trailing only one point behind Kimi Räikkönen in a domineering Ferrari. He regularly outclassed his team mate Fernando Alonso who had won the previous two Championships. The last time a youngster had impressed so much in his first complete season was Michael Schumacher who finished in third position back in 1992.

Secondly, Lewis Hamilton has won seven Championships in only thirteen seasons and finished second twice. He has now won four Championships in a row and six Championships in the last seven seasons. These statistics are absolutely outstanding and Lewis Hamilton doesn't look like he is about to slow down anytime soon.

Thirdly, Lewis Hamilton has broken numerous historic records. He has achieved the highest number of career wins with 94 victories as we speak. Lewis Hamilton has gotten the highest number of pole positions in Formula One history as well with 97. The sportsman has accumulated a whopping 3738 career points. The British driver has the most podium finishes with 163. The dynamic Brit has the highest number of consecutive race starts with 264. There are many other records worth to be mentioned that determine that Lewis Hamilton is the greatest Formula One driver of all time.

Fourthly, Lewis Hamilton has always been a competitive but fair sportsman. Michael Schumacher has tried to destroy the cars of Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve in the past to win his Championships. Sebastian Vettel has lost his temper more than once as well when he tried to hit the side of Lewis Hamilton's car during a safety car phase for example. Other former World Champions such as Jacques Villeneuve keep making nasty comments about current drivers such as Lance Stroll. Lewis Hamilton has never done such a thing and has always behaved like a true gentleman.

Fifthly, Lewis Hamilton is incredibly close to his fans. I remember him as the only driver who spoke directly to the crowd during a Canadian Grand Prix when he exited his car during the drivers' presentation and addressed the fans in the stands. This driver oozes with charisma and is always interesting to listen to.

Sixthly, Lewis Hamilton has always supported different humanitarian causes varying from animal rights over environmental issues to his constant fight against racism. He has often initiated campaigns to inspire change with his popularity and has made a significant impact upon supporters, media and even colleagues. Lewis Hamilton is never afraid to stand and speak up for human rights.

Seventhly, while numerous other Formula One drivers have had complicated personal lives including nasty rivalries going beyond sportsmanlike competition, complicated divorces or alcohol and drug abuse issues, Lewis Hamilton has never had any significant troubles in that regard. He promotes a healthy and respectful lifestyle and doesn't pretend to be someone he is not like so many others have done before him.

All these reasons should give you a good idea why Lewis Hamilton truly deserves his success and our support. Obviously, I would always favour a Canadian or a German driver to win another Formula One Championship like Nico Rosberg did in 2016. However, I highly respect Lewis Hamilton for everything he has achieved so far and only wish him the very best for the rest of his career and future projects on and off the Formula One tracks.