I have been through plenty of phases with Lewis. When he was a young boy and I
was driving for McLaren, he would follow me around and ask me lots of
questions. He looked up to me, I suppose. Then, when he burst on to the
scene in Formula One with that spectacular debut season in 2007,
communication understandably paused for a while. Now, he is relaxed and
friendly.
What has impressed me as much as the driving, if not more, is the way he has
matured off track. Before the year began, I had some niggling doubts about
his dedication to Formula One, to fulfilling the potential we all have seen
in abundance over the years. A small part of me thought the celebrity
lifestyle and all the trappings that came with it were a distraction. But
after just four or five races it was obvious he had upped his game. He cut
out anything which would interfere with what he does best.
This is why I am convinced this could be just the beginning of a continued
period of success. When he first won the title many were of that view. It
did not work out that way. The rules changed and McLaren were off the pace.
Lewis went through his own dips in form as he tried to deal with changes in
his personal life and his management.
Now everything is in place. Mercedes have such a dominant car. There does not
seem to be a weak link. They have the best power unit, have continued to
develop the chassis, and both those advantages should carry through to next
season. There is no reason why there will not be another opportunity for the
title next year.
Jackie Stewart: Lewis Hamilton’s F1 win ‘a great victory for Britain’
One of the aspects of Lewis’s public persona that can leave people unsure
about him is he can often seem uncertain in his speech, as if he is
searching for an answer. Yet behind that uncertainty is a steely decision
maker. Against the backdrop of plenty of public criticism, he has made the
right choices. He ditched McLaren when they had the fastest car at the end
of 2012, plumping for a Mercedes team way off the pace. It has paid off. All
this has equipped him to deal with disappointment in a Buddha-like way.
Even though they would not say it, Lewis is a better champion for Mercedes. He
is a more recognisable brand than Nico Rosberg and is easier to sell around
the world. For Formula One, a sport going through a bit of turmoil, he is
the right champion. It helps leverage F1, which helps us all.
Lewis Hamilton celebates Formula One title with ‘one drink’
This is not to demean Nico. He has been a worthy competitor and driven some
superb races, making for a compelling rivalry. But I think Nico knew in his
heart of hearts that this was always going to be a step too far, a peak too
high. He was as gracious in defeat as Lewis was inspirational in victory. I
should also say hats off to Mercedes for letting them race, and giving us a
feisty rivalry rather than a stultifying championship.
But right now the story is about a boy who grew up in the public eye and has
come of age as a driver and a man. Lewis Hamilton deserves it; Great Britain
deserves it.
Watch: Lewis Hamilton’s emotional thank you to his fans