Ten years in the past, Englishman Lewis Hamilton started the second stage of his GP profession – shifting from McLaren to Mercedes-Benz. Some critics believed that Lewis had made the largest mistake of his profession.
(*1*)
Ten years in the past, it was a huge stir in Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton left McLaren to hitch the Mercedes-Benz GP racing staff.
Reactions at dwelling had been overwhelming. “Wait a minute,” mentioned the critics, “is Hamilton going to a racing staff that received only one Grand Prix from 2010 to 2012? Really now?’
Many followers and professionals believed that this might solely be a monumental amount of cash. Some of my British colleagues wrote in regards to the largest mistake of Hamilton’s profession.
It was Niki Lauda who managed to persuade Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes.
Lewis recollects: “We began speaking in 2012. I had simply arrived dwelling and Nicky known as to persuade me to return to Mercedes. I nonetheless bear in mind considering how wonderful it was that a world champion, no, an icon like Niki Lauda known as me that!
“Then we had varied discussions, however it was nonetheless within the early phases. Then I used to be approached by Ross Brawn, the top of the Mercedes staff at the time. In truth, Ross was sitting in my mom’s kitchen, it was very surreal.”
“When somebody like Niki Lauda helps you, it takes a lot of respect. I by no means thought earlier than that he actually sees me as an excellent driver. But this estimate was flawed. Because when he walked into my lodge room in Singapore and we had a essential dialog, one thing clicked. I’ve discovered that we predict alike in additional methods than we predict. We’ve had a nice relationship ever since.”
“We traveled collectively and I visited him in Ibiza. He was so optimistic, humorous, and a pure entertainer. He at all times had the best tales to inform. And how briskly he was! He solely cared about getting higher.”
“It was Nicky carrying his well-known hat in entrance of you for a good efficiency. Then you knew you had been actually good. He was not one to reward. Lifting the lid mentioned all of it. A fast “Well achieved!” could also be, however it’s so.
“Even after the win, he mentioned, ‘Tell me Lewis, what do you must be higher?’ He was at all times on the lookout for additional enhancements. Of the numerous classes I discovered from him, this was essentially the most highly effective – not solely do you need to work exhausting as a racer, you need to lead your staff, ask the appropriate questions and go deep, you need to get it. Your individuals will get one of the best of him.”
“I’ll always remember how Nicky introduced me to Mercedes at a time when nice issues had been nonetheless to return. I used to be welcomed with open arms, all of us grew up collectively. Nicky was the one who gave me freedom as a result of he felt that individuals thrive when they’re allowed to be themselves.”
And what in regards to the largest mistake?
Lewis Hamilton received 82 victories and 6 world championships throughout his time at the helm of the star…
Formula 1 2023
shows
February 3: Red Bull Racing in New York
February 6: Williams on-line
February 7: Alfa Romeo in Zurich
February 11: AlphaTauri in New York
February 13: McLaren at Woking
February 13: Aston Martin at Silverstone
February 14: Ferrari at Maranello
February 15: Mercedes at Silverstone
February 16: Alpine in London
winter check
February 23-25: Bahrain International Circuit
Formula 1 World Championship calendar
05.03. Bahrain GP, Bahrain International Circuit, Sahir
19.03 Saudi Arabian GP, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah
02.04. Australian GP, Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne
04/30 Azerbaijan GP, Baku City Circle, Baku *
07.05. Miami GP, Miami International Speedway, Miami
21.05 Emilia Romagna GP, Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari, Imola
28.05 Monaco GP, Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo
04.06. Spanish GP, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalonia, Montmelo
18.06 The Canadian Doctor, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
02.07. Austrian GP, Red Bull Ring, Spielberg *
09.07. British GP, Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone
23.07. Hungarian GP, Hungary, Budapest
07/30 Belgian GP, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa*
27.08 Netherlands GP, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort
03.09. Italian GP, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Monza
17.09 Singapore GP, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore
24.09 Japan GP, Suzuka International Racing Course, Suzuka
08.10. Qatar GP, Losail International Circuit, Doha *
22.10. Austin GP, Circuit of the Americas, Austin *
29.10. Mexican GP, Autodromo Herman Rodriguez, Mexico City
05.11. Brazilian GP, Autodromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos *
18.11. Las Vegas GP, Las Vegas Street Circuit, Las Vegas
26.11 Abu Dhabi GP, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
* Sprint format