Matured Lewis Hamilton develops thicker skin

  • Published on 07 May 2013 10:39
  • comments 0
  • By: Rob Veenstra
Seven years into his F1 career, Lewis Hamilton thinks he is now mature enough to handle any teammate. Before switching to Mercedes for 2013, the long-time former McLaren driver expressed interest in joining Red Bull, whose Sebastian Vettel has won the world championship three times on the trot.

But back in 2007, Briton Hamilton fell out spectacularly with his then teammate Fernando Alonso. Dr Helmut Marko, now grappling with the disintegrating relationship between Vettel and Mark Webber, said it's simply a problem when two "alpha dogs" clash. But Hamilton told the Daily Mail: "Now I'm older, I'm sure we would have a different relationship."

Referring to himself and Spaniard Alonso, he added: "There would still be intense moments because we are both quick, so we would be very close to each other, but we've both matured a lot. I think I'm much better at nurturing relationships between teammates now. It depends on the drivers. Put Sebastian with Fernando Alonso and the team would be in trouble straight away, the chemistry would just ... (Hamilton whistles). You know, I even think I could drive with Sebastian," Hamilton mused. "I just wouldn't turn the engine down."

No longer under the control of McLaren supremo Ron Dennis or his father Anthony, Hamilton also says he has learned to cope with criticism. A good example is the last few months, when Sir Jackie Stewart initially slammed Hamilton's move to Mercedes, and then tipped the 28-year-old as a title favourite for 2013.

"I think I've definitely developed a thicker skin," said Hamilton. "At the start, it's easier to get stung. I'm more consistent now because my mental strength has improved. So when Jackie Stewart talks about me, I just laugh it off. Some people are nosey, or they've nothing better to do. They're entitled to their opinions, but Jackie talks a lot." (GMM)

Order 2013 Mercedes merchandise here!

Replies (0)

Login to reply

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 04:28

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 04:28

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2 2024
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9 2024
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24 2024
Australia
5 - Apr 7 2024
Japan
19 - Apr 21 2024
China
3 - May 5 2024
United States of America
17 - May 19 2024
Italy
24 - May 26 2024
Monaco
7 - Jun 9 2024
Canada
21 - Jun 23 2024
Spain
28 - Jun 30 2024
Austria
5 - Jul 7 2024
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21 2024
Hungary
26 - Jul 28 2024
Belgium
23 - Aug 25 2024
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1 2024
Italy
13 - Sep 15 2024
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22 2024
Singapore
18 - Oct 20 2024
United States of America
25 - Oct 27 2024
Mexico
1 - Nov 3 2024
Brazil
22 - Nov 24 2024
United States of America
29 - Dec 1 2024
Qatar
6 - Dec 8 2024
United Arab Emirates
-
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2 2024
7 - Mar 9 2024
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24 2024
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7 2024
19 - Apr 21 2024
3 - May 5 2024
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19 2024
24 - May 26 2024
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9 2024
21 - Jun 23 2024
28 - Jun 30 2024
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7 2024
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21 2024
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28 2024
23 - Aug 25 2024
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1 2024
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15 2024
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22 2024
18 - Oct 20 2024
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27 2024
1 - Nov 3 2024
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24 2024
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1 2024
6 - Dec 8 2024
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
-
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Aston Martin
  • Points 572
  • Podiums 9
  • Grand Prix 168
  • Country ES
  • Date of b. Jul 29 1981 (43)
  • Place of b. Oviedo, ES
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.71 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar