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Interesting Hamilton Interview


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#1 PoleMan

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:13

I'm a fan of Hamilton because of how he is really unafraid of saying what he thinks. This interview is a perfect example of that. His frankness is certainly what makes him one of the most, if not THE MOST, popular drivers in F1.

 

Hope you enjoy this!  :smoking:

 

 

http://www.faz.net/a... ... 03604.html

Q: Some drivers of the 70s, like James Hunt, were style icons of their time. Is it still like that today?
A: No, there's no style any more in the paddock.

Q: Would you rather have been part of F1 during the 70s?
A: Why would I want that? It's much cooler nowadays. Nobody could really dance in the 70s, the parties weren't as good and the women weren't as good-looking! I'm grateful that I'm living nowadays and can do what I love so much.

Q: It is sometimes claimed that F1 has become boring compared to back in those days, that drivers are too squeaky-clean. Do you agree?
A: My perspective is different because I'm driving one of these insane cars - for me that is definitely not boring. It's the opposite - for me, it's the most exciting thing there is. I have a job and I love it. But I can imagine that it's a different case for the spectators. There is a car that crosses the finish line 30 seconds before everybody else. Recently, spectators haven't seen any real racing, no wheel-to-wheel battles. So of course it's going to be boring for people who already know what is going to happen.

Q:You're talking about Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull, who is 60 points ahead of Fernando Alonso and 96 ahead of you. Do you not want to congratulate him on his fourth title already?
A: Yeah I could do that. If I see him at the Driver's Parade on Sunday before the race I might congratulate him.

Q: Why is Vettel unbeatable at the moment?
A: He's not unbeatable, his car is.

Q: Mark Webber is in a Red Bull too, but he is only 5th in the Championship. Is it really only the car that makes the difference, or is it a combination of the car and driver?
A: For some, the driver is the key factor, for others, it's the car. It doesn't really make a difference to me. I'd rather concentrate on myself.

Q: Do you not ever think about why this guy is so quick and so successful?
A: No.

Q: Do you believe then, that Vettel is the fastest out there?
A: No. For me, Fernando Alonso is the quickest out of everyone.

Q: What is the difference between a World Champion and a great champion?
A: If I had to picture a real champion, he'd be a really tough racer and at the same time gracious towards the people that he works with. He would be humble and modest, he would inspire young people and shouldn't simply win, but make a difference in the world. But I'm not sure if there has been a driver like that in Formula One.

Q: What are your goals?
A: I have lots of goals, and most of them don't have anything to do with F1. Here, I want to win titles. Apart from that, I want to work as hard as possible to become what I have just described. There are many things that don't happen at a racetrack but are still important. Family, for example. I'm also involved in charity projects, I work with children, there are so many great things out there.

Q: You're always posting bible verses on Twitter. How did you come about your faith?
A: I grew up with it. Before I started karting, I was at the church almost every weekend. Many of my family are very religious, and I get closer to God year after year in my life. It feels really good.

Q: Mercedes has won three races this year, a noticeable improvement since the start. How much input have you had into the car?
A: I've influenced things since the first time I sat in the cockpit. I brought some ideas with me, and we've already used some of them, for example the seat position or how the buttons are laid out on the steering wheel. We've made some changes to make me feel more comfortable in the car. Now it's time for the fine-tuning. Next year the Mercedes will feel more like my car, it will suit me even better.

Q: Do you think you and Nico Rosberg will form the best driver pairing for next year?
A: No, I don't think so. It will be Alonso and Raikkonen at Ferrari.

Q: Why do you think those two are stronger?
A: I didn't say they were stronger. But both are among the best drivers here, so as a combination they'll have the measure of everything.

Q: You've driven beside Alonso at McLaren, and now you're experiencing being alongside Nico Rosberg at Mercedes. Which of the two is stronger?
A: Fernando is the strongest driver I have gone up against in my life. He's just unbelievably fast and damn aggressive on the track. At the time, we didn't speak much, we concentrated on our jobs and had an interesting duel. If you've gone up against Fernando, you don't have to fear anybody.

Q: Some Daimler shareholders keep demanding that Mercedes withdraw from F1. Is the series still suitable for such a group?
A: Yes it is. I've just ordered an electric Smart and in that there is a lot of technology that we have developed in F1. That's great. F1 is the perfect test lab for a car manufacturer. Mercedes has a great history in motorsport. F1 wouldn't be the same without Mercedes.

Q: How hard is it for you to retain your own personality within this million-Euro company with strict rules and regulations?
A: Mercedes is a huge company with a legacy which comes with that. Of course I have obligations here, that is clear. One of my obligations, for example, is to showcase the Mercedes brand. But I feel privileged to be able to do that.

Q: But, unlike your team mate Rosberg, you didn't want to wear a silver cap and you designed your own black version. Why was that so important to you?
A: I've had to wear some terrible caps over the past 6 years in F1. I didn't feel like doing it any more. So I wanted a cap that I liked, so we developed one together.



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#2 Kelateboy

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:29

It is nothing new, but great to see how he backtracked when asked about Webber in the same car.



#3 Borko

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:31

Q: Why is Vettel unbeatable at the moment?
A: He's not unbeatable, his car is.

 

Lewis is brilliant :up: Thanks for this interview



#4 tmzxaar

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:31

It is nothing new, but great to see how he backtracked when asked about Webber in the same car.

What was he supposed to say? Vettel is preferred in the team? That would be fireworks...



#5 Kelateboy

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:36

What was he supposed to say? Vettel is preferred in the team? That would be fireworks...

 

What do you expect? He is a 3-time WDC; at least he does not have a contract specifying his status as the No. 1 driver in the team.



#6 shonguiz

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:40

You can feel how ******** he's with the Vettel domination.



#7 tmzxaar

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:41

What do you expect? He is a 3-time WDC; at least he does not have a contract specifying his status as the No. 1 driver in the team.

And you know that because you are one of his managers ofcourse...



#8 tmzxaar

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:43

You can feel how ******** he's with the Vettel domination.

Yeah, it's sad to see a driver dominating even though he is not the best.

 

In the Schumacher years he was clearly the man, no one was better. We don't have a situation like that today.



#9 Asterion

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:45

Glad to see he's in much better spirits than 2011. Boy, that was a tough year to watch. Eventually the RB domination will end, and I hope by that time he will get an extra one or 2 WDCs.


Edited by Asterion, 06 October 2013 - 05:47.


#10 Sin

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:52

and I just started to like him... well where is the respect for other drivers here then?

 

Ah nvm...



#11 Gilles4Ever

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:53

Already needed cleaning up.

 

Keep to the topic, stop discussing the thread validity and how people are going to react. This not a Vettel vs Hamilton thread.



#12 shonguiz

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:54

Yeah, it's sad to see a driver dominating even though he is not the best.

 

In the Schumacher years he was clearly the man, no one was better. We don't have a situation like that today.

Yeah byt stil, that doesn't fit with his badass **** image.



#13 tmzxaar

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 05:55

Yeah byt stil, that doesn't fit with his badass **** image.

Yeah, that is silly hahaha.


Edited by Gilles4Ever, 06 October 2013 - 06:01.


#14 topical

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 06:08

Glad that he speaks the truth about Vettel's tedious, overrated dominance.



#15 Moosed

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 06:16

There are his opinions and he is airing them, that's what an interview is for... Would you all rather him lie just to seem polite ?

#16 DarthWillie

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 06:56

shocking rude interview, teammate bad, designers bad, vettel bad, cap designers bad.....................................poor show



#17 Massa_f1

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 07:03

LOL at Hamilton fans applauding this. Makes him look like a jealous looser



#18 SCEPurple

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 07:06

Good read, nothing really new but nice to hear genuine opinions.

Gotta laugh at people who get offended by people being frank, really.

#19 Raven8

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 07:07

Gerat interview! Thanks for posting



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#20 sheepgobba

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 07:08

LOL at Hamilton fans applauding this. Makes him look like a jealous looser

 

How so? He seems honest in this interview. 



#21 Raven8

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 07:09

There are his opinions and he is airing them, that's what an interview is for... Would you all rather him lie just to seem polite ?

Finally one driver who is honest



#22 Kobasmashi

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 09:18

This interview is brilliant, as were his team radio messages in today's race. He's been damn funny this year

#23 P123

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 09:43

and I just started to like him... well where is the respect for other drivers here then?

 

Ah nvm...

 

Why.  Because he didn't praise a particular driver as you would praise him?  He said the wrong driver was fastest?  The wrong driver pairing would be the best?  That Vettel was not unbeatable? 

 

A bit of perspective is required here- he's not there to be any drivers' best friend.  They are there to beat each other.  If Hamilton is 'jealous' and '********' (among the many intelligent retorts on here).... then all I have to say to that is why the hell shouldn't he be?



#24 P123

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 09:45

shocking rude interview, teammate bad, designers bad, vettel bad, cap designers bad.....................................poor show

 

Yes, several cap designers passed out in shock after being overcome by extreme rudeness.  One can only hope that you and those who 'liked' your po-faced reaction have managed to recover from the shock too. :up:

 

PS- I don't agree with everything Hamilton says in that interview, but again, sense of perspective required from some of the reactions (forum equivalent of the podium boo boys).


Edited by P123, 06 October 2013 - 09:48.


#25 olliek88

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 09:50

LOL at Hamilton fans applauding this. Makes him look like a jealous looser

 

Show me driver on the grid who isn't jealous of Vettel's success and i'll show you a loser.

 

It's an honest interview which is enlightening, it might not show him as an uber likeable guy but he is who he is and he's being himself, which is better than trying to please other people all the time as he did for the previous 6 years or so.



#26 spacekid

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 10:01

I'll come right out and say Lewis is not someone who's character I find appealing. I think he is a very good driver, but there are aspects of his character that for me are... not to my personal tastes as an F1 fan (more of which later).

 

I get that Lewis fans find this a fun, frank and honest interview, and thats fine - its a big world with many opinions and we can't all share the same one, as that would be boring. I find Lewis more than a little irritating. Here's a couple of things I picked out of his interview...

 

 

 

 

Q: It is sometimes claimed that F1 has become boring compared to back in those days, that drivers are too squeaky-clean. Do you agree?
A: My perspective is different because I'm driving one of these insane cars - for me that is definitely not boring. It's the opposite - for me, it's the most exciting thing there is. I have a job and I love it. But I can imagine that it's a different case for the spectators. There is a car that crosses the finish line 30 seconds before everybody else. Recently, spectators haven't seen any real racing, no wheel-to-wheel battles. So of course it's going to be boring for people who already know what is going to happen.
 

 

Things are different for the spectators, but not necessarily for these reasons. In the 70s you still needed a very strong, if not the best, car to win. Races were still won by huge margins. Much of the unpredictability came from mechanical failure and crashes, rather than some different form of 'competetiveness' in the sport, with specific reference to the sport being more about driver vs. package, something I feel is rather a recurring theme for Lewis.

And we have close racing right now in the field - just not for the lead lately. I find this view of the sport now and then very curious - I'm not sure if I'm missing something.

 

 


Q: Why is Vettel unbeatable at the moment?
A: He's not unbeatable, his car is.

Q: Mark Webber is in a Red Bull too, but he is only 5th in the Championship. Is it really only the car that makes the difference, or is it a combination of the car and driver?
A: For some, the driver is the key factor, for others, it's the car. It doesn't really make a difference to me. I'd rather concentrate on myself.

 

 

Does Lewis not recognise that when he has won races (and his title) the fact that he has been in a very strong car, if not the best car, might have had something to do with it? I can't think of a time in F1 when it hasn't been the car that is the most important factor. Yes, you need a great driver to convert those chances, but the car is still king, and always has been. It almost seems to me that Lewis is saying - when I win its because I'm such a great driver, I concentrate on myself, Seb just has a better car. Winning in F1 happens by getting a winning driver into a car capable of winning. Being quite so dismissive of Seb because of 'the car' could quite easily be applied to some of Lewis' seasons as well.

 

 

Q: Mercedes has won three races this year, a noticeable improvement since the start. How much input have you had into the car?
A: I've influenced things since the first time I sat in the cockpit. I brought some ideas with me, and we've already used some of them, for example the seat position or how the buttons are laid out on the steering wheel. We've made some changes to make me feel more comfortable in the car. Now it's time for the fine-tuning. Next year the Mercedes will feel more like my car, it will suit me even better.
 

 

The 2013 Mercedes is a much better car than the 2012. I'm sorry, I'm really struggling to buy that the car is a much better contendor because of seat or button positions. Lewis

has driven the car well, but the idea that the car is much improved on previous years because of these inputs from him is a stretch for me. I think its got a lot more to do with the engineers and designers to be honest, and maybe even the guys who were 'driving' the development last year. The car was pretty much finished by the time Lewis climbed into it. He's generally driven it very well though, no question there.

 

And before you all start with this 'if you don't like what someone is saying then you must only like boring PR-drones, at least he is being honest and showing some personality - no, thats not it. I don't like Seb much either, but I do like Webber... generally, most of the time.

 

I suppose overall what turns me off in an interview like this is that Lewis gives the impression of seeing F1 as very much a driver orientated sport. I don't know Lewis, maybe interviews like this give me the wrong impression of him, but thats how I read him and I don't think it is.

I think its a sport about the whole package. The teams do not spend £100 million a year designing and building a car for his benefit and glory. I suspect that if Lewis really doesn't see the bigger picture this is a weakness for him.


Edited by spacekid, 06 October 2013 - 10:06.


#27 Group B

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 10:04

Glad that he speaks the truth about Vettel's tedious, overrated dominance.

 

Awww, diddums. Why do I suspect (read know) that it wouldn't be tedious if your favourite driver was constantly winning. Even as a Vettel supporter I'd much prefer some of the races were closer, but it's pretty childish to hate somebody for for doing a damn good job.



#28 NotAPineapple

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 10:08

shocking rude interview, teammate bad, designers bad, vettel bad, cap designers bad.....................................poor show

 

Comments like this are the reason why all the drivers and team act like PR robots. People like you... Lewis gives an honest interview, says what he thinks and people like yourself lambast him for it. This stupid attitude is why teams need to control their drivers so much because people like you either get offended or don't have the intelligence to let someone have their own opinion.



#29 P123

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 10:16

I'll come right out and say Lewis is not someone who's character I find appealing. I think he is a very good driver, but there are aspects of his character that for me are... not to my personal tastes as an F1 fan (more of which later).

 

I get that Lewis fans find this a fun, frank and honest interview, and thats fine - its a big world with many opinions and we can't all share the same one, as that would be boring. I find Lewis more than a little irritating. Here's a couple of things I picked out of his interview...

 

 

 

A bit of a sweeping statement, but for the rest I generally agree with you.  But it goes for all drivers.  All display traits that are commendable, whereas some traits don't appear too appealing.  Like you have chosen this opportunity lay bare what antagonises you about Hamilton I could do the same too.  And not just for him.  But I choose instead to support drivers for what they do on track, not for what they say off track, because nobody will ever agree with everything a driver says.



#30 spacekid

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 10:33

A bit of a sweeping statement, but for the rest I generally agree with you.  But it goes for all drivers.  All display traits that are commendable, whereas some traits don't appear too appealing.  Like you have chosen this opportunity lay bare what antagonises you about Hamilton I could do the same too.  And not just for him.  But I choose instead to support drivers for what they do on track, not for what they say off track, because nobody will ever agree with everything a driver says.

 

Ok fine - I understand that the Lewis Hamilton fans who have said on this thread that they enjoy Lewis for the attitudes he shows in his interviews... and so on.

 

I'm not so bothered by Lewis that I would start a thread about it. However, as the thread was started to generally praise Lewis for his views on the sport and how he goes about his business, I reckon its also fair game to have a debate any negatives we can take from it.

 

A thread which opens up with 'His frankness is certainly what makes him one of the most, if not THE MOST, popular drivers in F1' and then has this interview is always open to be shot down I'm afraid.

 

I always go to great pains to state I think Lewis is a very good driver, but I do believe that if he is more driver focused than package focused in F1, then that could be a flaw in his thinking and approach, and is a subject up for debate. After all, as I said, I think F1 is much more a team than individual sport, and I believe a driver who is more package orientated will ultimately achieve better results than if he 'only thinks about himself'.

 

I'll chip in and comment on other drivers too should the appropriate thread come up.


Edited by spacekid, 06 October 2013 - 10:35.


#31 DarthWillie

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 10:46

Yes, several cap designers passed out in shock after being overcome by extreme rudeness. One can only hope that you and those who 'liked' your po-faced reaction have managed to recover from the shock too. :up:

PS- I don't agree with everything Hamilton says in that interview, but again, sense of perspective required from some of the reactions (forum equivalent of the podium boo boys).


Very difficult day overcomming the shock but thanks for your concern :-D

I'll clarify, one can have a frank opinion but this interview is all negativity directed at others. That is what I don't like about it.

#32 Nitropower

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 10:53

What do you expect? He is a 3-time WDC; at least he does not have a contract specifying his status as the No. 1 driver in the team.

Like you know it.

Anyway Webber is past his prime and has never been a super driver, but a few years ago we have clearly seen who was treated as a No. 1 driver in the team.



#33 Nitropower

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 11:01

Sometimes Lewis cocks up when speaking his mind out loud, but I love the honesty in his words.

 

I don't understand some people's attitude regarding Vettel's superiority. If you say the truth like Hamilton here (Vettel's car is superior to any other car, his car never breaks and his team mate's always does etc.) then it's sour grapes. It's not. It's a fact. Red Bull is head and shoulders over the others. 2,5 secs gap a lap in Singapore prove it. Going full throttle in slow sectors is not due to driver skills, it's due to the car being stuck to the ground but hey if you enjoy the sour grapes speech have fun with it. We are missing years of incredible battles between extremely talented drivers because one of them has one of the best cars in history.



#34 Sin

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 11:07

that is bullshit, Schumacher and Senna both had the fastest car when they made their victories... also if anyone can do it explain Webber to me.... Nitro you making the mistake to put your opinion and the way you see things out as facts... when infact you are only assuming things


Edited by Sin, 06 October 2013 - 11:07.


#35 rhukkas

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 11:11

Webber is a poor driver with a total loss of motivation. So his performances are perfectly explainable.

 

Vettel has never really had a decent team mate, whereas Senna had to beat Prost in the same car. Schumacher never had a decent team mate, but he took won with two different teams and then took Ferrari from nothing to success through years of hard work. Vettel has never had a decent team mate, nor has he worked for years within a team to gain success. So naturally there'll always be overhanging questions. Either RedBull put in a decent #2 (they won't because they've already refused Hamilton, Alo and Kimi) and Vettel isn't brave enough to move teams



#36 Nitropower

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 11:12

that is bullshit, Schumacher and Senna both had the fastest car when they made their victories... also if anyone can do it explain Webber to me.... Nitro you making the mistake to put your opinion and the way you see things out as facts... when infact you are only assuming things

 

2,5 secs a lap gap is not an opinion, it's a fact. Webber is a heavier driver, less talented and he is aging (37 years old). Another fact. The car has not been always much better than the others but most of the time it has been.

 

Facts.



#37 Gilles4Ever

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Posted 06 October 2013 - 11:15

Asked nicely to keep to the topic and discuss the interview, instead it's become a thread about Vettel.