196 replies to this topic

[JonnyJ]

Wow, absolutely fantastic, what a typically "Lewis Hamilton" way to win, even when he has several races to clinch it, he still manages to do it in a way that has you going through highs and lows!

 

The whole thing feels like the end of a journey for me. Watching him grow, seeing the incredible potential and just hoping that he could realise it. We all knew he was capable of achieving his aim and i have to admit it was pretty hard seeing that talent not being able to be properly showcased during those Red Bull years but finally, its all fallen into place and we're now seeing what many of us saw back when he was working his way up to F1.

 

There's still many years of Lewis Hamilton left in F1, god knows if he can step it up further but it can now be done with no pressure in my view. Im just chuffed to see a young British lad achieve his dream and doing it all his way. Hes a credit to this country.

 

Very special.

[CountDooku]

Not sure where to put this but Sky dug out some quotes from back in 2012 so I think it's timely to add here after the 3rd championship. Some are especially tasty and Paul Weaver's was spot on.

 

 

"He has looked at the roulette wheel and put everything on silver. He has quit McLaren, a team of proven, habitual winners, and decided to take flight with the Silver Arrows of Mercedes. If he has got this one wrong, he will rue the decision for the next three peak years of his career and probably for the rest of his life.

"But there is still a chance that Hamilton has got it right. Mercedes, as a works team, are well placed to exploit the complicated engine/energy recovery technology that will be unveiled in 2014.

"There is, however, no chance that McLaren have got this one right. While Hamilton and his advisers must be worried about the wisdom of his decision, for McLaren there is only the confrontation with disaster" - Paul Weaver, The Guardian.

 

 

"I don't see Lewis winning races in 2013 - and there has to be doubts that the car will be good enough in 2014. And it is easy for a lean couple of years to develop into something longer. Just look what happened to Jacques Villeneuve after he joined BAR having won the title in 1997. He never won another race. Lewis has got a tough task ahead of him at Mercedes. It is a gamble" - Allan McNish, Audi.

 

 

 

"Lewis Hamilton does not know much about racing history and so cannot learn from the mistakes of others ( ). Perhaps he thinks that if it fails he will at least have the consolation of earning loads more money and being a bigger star, thanks to his hustling management that will sell his image here, there and everywhere. That might make him an international celebrity on a bigger scale than he is, but it will not make him a racing legend. Perhaps Mercedes will pull it off and then Hamilton will look clever, but I fear that this will be a move similar to James Hunt joining Wolf; Emerson Fittipaldi joining Fittipaldi, Jacques Villeneuve moving to BAR or Niki Lauda's ill-fated move to Brabham. History relates that you do not leave a winning team in F1 unless it is to go to another proven winner…" -  Joe Saward, GP+ e-magazine.

 

http://www.skysports...ton-joined-merc

[CountDooku]

Also a nice, touching and a bit fanboyish article from DC as well. Respect!

 

 

Before turning to the future, it cannot be emphasised how significant a moment this is in Lewis’s life. He has always spoken of equalling Senna, his childhood hero. Being able to match Senna’s benchmark of three world championships will have a significant effect on Lewis.

 

To my mind there are plenty of similarities (between Lewis and Senna). They are both spiritual people and both have that inherent speed. You know when it comes to a qualifying lap, or they are behind someone on the track, then something special is about to happen.

 

They both make some mistakes under extreme competitive pressure, too. At the restart in Silverstone this year, Lewis did not need to go for it, but he cannot help himself. He is a natural born racer.

 

Senna was exactly the same. Taking out Alain Prost in Suzuka, or some of the other aggressive moves he pulled, were not as elegant as some people on the sporting side of this business wanted. But that was the DNA that makes both of them respected, drivers no one wants to mess with.

The difference is that while Senna feared Prost, just as Prost feared Senna, there is no one out there who Lewis fears. He has all the bases covered. Both Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso are exceptional drivers, but Lewis is comfortable in the knowledge that he can beat them both.

 

 

 

There are still those who instinctively do not like Lewis. He remains a divisive figure. For whatever reason, sometimes people take a dislike to someone and they hold on to it. We like some newsreaders, but for no apparent reasons dislike others.

But I firmly believe that even someone who does not consider themselves as a Lewis fan would warm to him if they met him.

Deep down you have to respect the fact he is a winner. He gets the job done. Even Senna used to fly back to Brazil and live a very different life to the one he enjoyed in Europe.

Whereas Lewis enjoys social media and revels in the limelight of going to fashion shows and concerts. He is living his dream.

On the outside, I suppose Lewis can come across as an untouchable superstar. But I have known him since he was a squeaky-voiced 10-year-old.

 

 

I admire how he lives his life. I do not believe he is a bad person, or there is any malice in his life. I have gone through plenty of phases in my relationship with Lewis as he has matured over the years. There are still moments of him just being himself. Within the paddock, it can be difficult. On Thursday there was no one else in the Mercedes hospitality unit, so we just chatted about anything, life in general. Whereas I know if I walk past him when he is going into the garage, one I won’t disturb him, and two, if I did, he wouldn’t stop to talk to me.

This is the nature of great sportsmen. What interests me most is what now, both for Lewis and for Formula One.

 

http://www.telegraph...generation.html

[Burtros]

Its hard to get excited over the inevitable, but congratulations to Lewis.

[topical]

Well done Lewis. Did what he had to - drove very well in a massively superior car and with a poor teammate as his only competition. It's all that could be asked of him under the circumstances.

[MikeV1987]

Congrats! us ferrari fans will see you next year 

 

[Retrofly]

The picture I've been waiting for.

 

Thanks MikeV

[speng]

Its hard to get excited over the inevitable, but congratulations to Lewis.

It true when have the best driver in the best car it inevitable but I am still excited.

[f1supreme]

well done lewis,well deserved.still i rise.

[braderzf50]

What a race!!!!!                    

 

Congratulations Lewis on your 3rd World Championship!

 

What a lovely bit of reading of that sky piece where they collected the quotes from 2012 on Lewis' move to Mercedes. I'm happy to say he proved me and many others wrong!

 

What a driver, we are witnessing something great so let's enjoy it while it lasts.        

[jstrains]

The won

 

http://f1grandprix.m...nica-000357.jpg

Edited by jstrains, 26 October 2015 - 19:52.

[cheekybru]

I ran out of likes   What more can i say, but...

 

 

Thank you Lewis 

 

 

ps someone should make a gif of the "finger guns" after the national anthem on the podium 

[superdelphinus]

Not sure where to put this but Sky dug out some quotes from back in 2012 so I think it's timely to add here after the 3rd championship. Some are especially tasty and Paul Weaver's was spot on.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.skysports...ton-joined-merc

heh, i like the one from saward particularly as he always comes across as the self proclaimed oracle of f1

[CountDooku]

heh, i like the one from saward particularly as he always comes across as the self proclaimed oracle of f1

I think he comes across as a bit of a tit, especially when Lewis is involved. Almost like he doesn't think Lewis as a person is exclusive of the exclusive F1 club. Stewart gives off the same vibe sometimes.

Matter of fact, I'll hunt down what Saward now thinks of our latest 3xWDC.

Edited by CountDooku, 26 October 2015 - 21:38.

[TheMidnight]

Not sure where to put this but Sky dug out some quotes from back in 2012 so I think it's timely to add here after the 3rd championship. Some are especially tasty and Paul Weaver's was spot on.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.skysports...ton-joined-merc

 

Love em.....

[SophieB]

This line of argument is exactly what eventually led to this thread being closed last year, folks. Please things upbeat and celebratory, no need to nurse old wounds now. I asked people to say nice things or nothing in this celebration thread, that goes in the other direction too.  

 

Please, no more of 'where are Hamilton's detractors now, eh?!' type stuff.

[Marklar]

Did I heared celebratory?

[SophieB]

Hamilton remembers and gives thanks to the two men who believed in his talent and gave him the chance to shine. These were posted by Lewis a few weeks ago, but I think very clearly written with the upcoming title in mind. The open letter to Ron Dennis is a little poignant, in my view.
 

 


(source: https://instagram.com/lewishamilton/)

[superdelphinus]

Did I heared celebratory?

 

is that buxton there?

[Marklar]

is that buxton there?

Yes

[Risil]

Discreetly adding my congratulations to the pile. Hamilton, in my opinion, has been flawless since he came back for the beginning of 2012.

 

This year seemed a bit easy compared to his previous titles, but he's made the whole grid -- barring Vettel -- look ordinary.

Edited by Risil, 26 October 2015 - 23:00.

[Lamag]

Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton, well deserved. I take my hat off to him. Legend. 

[Button4life]

Congrats to Hamilton. What an absolute legend you are now. Fully deserved.

[inca_roads]

Congratulations to Lewis. Excellent stuff again this year, and a deserved third title.

[extremeday]

Congrats to Mr Hamilton

 

 

Well deserved third title

[khaliweed]

Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton, well deserved. I take my hat off to him. Legend. 

 

OT... Isnt it time to change your signature mate?   #KeepFightingJules #ForzaJules #ForzaBianchi #GetWellSoonJules

 

Regards

[Kac]

Congrats to Lewis! It's never easy being a Lewis fan through the years, but I am glad we made it.

I can't believe it that we have the title before the season ended. Now, I can be more relaxed watching the rest of the races.

 

Some things as Lewis fans, we never forget..

- Winning the WDC on the last lap of 2008 Brazil..

- Taken out by Jenson in 2011 Canada..

- Walking from the stricken car in 2012 Singapore..

- Feeling unwanted in McLaren @ the end of 2012

- First win with Mercedes in 2013 Hungary

- Car on fire in and that pit lane to podium drive in 2014 Hungary

- 2014 Abu Dhabi and 2015 USA..

 

It's a long road and we're glad there are other fans along the way.

Stay hungry, Keep winning.

Edited by Kac, 27 October 2015 - 08:58.

[teejay]

Turkey 2006 - legendary drive that begun it for me

[Retrofly]

Don't forget

 

Spa 2008

China 2007

Brazil 2007

 

The bad times only make you stronger

[Coops3]

Just dug this up:

 

http://forums.autosp...on/#entry208937

 

Earliest mention of Lewis I can find on this BB!

[MP422]

Congrats to Lewis! It's never easy being a Lewis fan through the years, but I am glad we made it.

I can't believe it that we have the title before the season ended. Now, I can be more relaxed watching the rest of the races.

 

Some things as Lewis fans, we never forget..

- Winning the WDC on the last lap of 2008 Brazil..

- Taken out by Jenson in 2011 Canada..

- Walking from the stricken car in 2012 Singapore..

- Feeling unwanted in McLaren @ the end of 2012

- First win with Mercedes in 2013 Hungary

- Car on fire in and that pit lane to podium drive in 2014 Hungary

- 2014 Abu Dhabi and 2015 USA..

 

It's a long road and we're glad there are other fans along the way.

Stay hungry, Keep winning.

 

First corner in Melbourne 2007, right around Fernando....       

[Coops3]

Congrats to Lewis! It's never easy being a Lewis fan through the years, but I am glad we made it.

I can't believe it that we have the title before the season ended. Now, I can be more relaxed watching the rest of the races.

 

Some things as Lewis fans, we never forget..

- Winning the WDC on the last lap of 2008 Brazil..

- Taken out by Jenson in 2011 Canada..

- Walking from the stricken car in 2012 Singapore..

- Feeling unwanted in McLaren @ the end of 2012

- First win with Mercedes in 2013 Hungary

- Car on fire in and that pit lane to podium drive in 2014 Hungary

- 2014 Abu Dhabi and 2015 USA..

 

It's a long road and we're glad there are other fans along the way.

Stay hungry, Keep winning.

 

A few earlier ones which stick in my mind:

 

- First GP win in US.

- Getting beached at China 2007.

- That awful moment when he lost all gears in Brazil 2007.

- Britain 08.

- Spa 08, for all the wrong reasons.

- The catastrophic 2008 Japanese GP.

- Liegate.

- The first win in the 2009 McLaren. Don't know why but that was one of my favourites.

[SR388]

2011 British Grand Prix- gritty drive and an amazing opening lap.

2011 German Grand Prix- amazing passes to take the win.

That 2011 season was one of his most fascinating. Apparently he was sick most of the year, but it has some super memorable moments.

[Marklar]

2011 British Grand Prix- gritty drive and an amazing opening lap.

2011 German Grand Prix- amazing passes to take the win.

That 2011 season was one of his most fascinating. Apparently he was sick most of the year, but it has some super memorable moments.

?

[SR388]

?

I'll try to find you the video.

http://youtu.be/0rMls5cyMeo

Fast forward to 12:11

Edited by SR388, 28 October 2015 - 15:44.

[molpid]

On to the next WDC !

 

Edited by molpid, 28 October 2015 - 15:46.

[SpartanChas]

Back in 2007 when he started out alongside 2 time champion Alonso, who would have guessed that Lewis would be the first to win 3?!

[Marklar]

Just dug this up:

http://forums.autosp...on/#entry208937

Earliest mention of Lewis I can find on this BB!

I found one which was a few weeks earlier

http://forums.autosp...rs/#entry195440

This is also a funny thread

http://forums.autosp...ge-in-frenault/

Edited by Marklar, 28 October 2015 - 21:28.

[SR388]

Damn I wish I was following Lewis way back then. I started in 2005-2006.

[Marklar]

Damn I wish I was following Lewis way back then. I started in 2005-2006.

1999 first time heared of him. 2001 first time seen

[SR388]

1999 first time heared of him. 2001 first time seen

Damn those are early days! Any other black drivers in the pipeline beside Jann Mardenborough?

[jcpower13]

Heh, you're all miles behind me, I've been a Hammy fan since he visited my school with his kart when I was 13, that's 1996 . 

[PAGATRON]

Damn those are early days! Any other black drivers in the pipeline beside Jann Mardenborough?

There's Tia Norfleet, I think she's still in NASCAR.

 

Sorry just checked she wasn't.

Edited by PAGATRON, 28 October 2015 - 23:08.

[SR388]

There's Tia Norfleet, I think she's still in NASCAR.

Not sure if that's a joke.

http://www.nytimes.c...words.html?_r=0


Anyway. I savor these days. It's been extremely satisfying and exciting to watch his career. I'm not certain if there will be another driver I feel connected with as Lewis, so every race I get to watch is special.

Edited by SR388, 28 October 2015 - 23:13.

[FrontWing]

I found one which was a few weeks earlier

http://forums.autosp...rs/#entry195440

This is also a funny thread

http://forums.autosp...ge-in-frenault/

People already writing him off in that second tread at 16 years old! 

 

Liked this quote from HSJ :

BTW, L. Hamilton is the guy that MS tipped as a future star after they karted together in Kerpen. MS sure seems to pick these losers: last year he praised JB. Look what happened! Though initially he praised KR, he then soured on him, naturally KR got a McLaren drive!   Now he praised Lewis, so of course he flopped! (Okay, okay, I'm kidding here.   ) 

 

I know he was only kidding, but maybe this guy Schumacher knows a thing or two after all;

 

Hamilton became a 3x champ by 30 years old.

Button will be going into his 16th year of racing and has become a WDC. Still extremely competitive and hard to beat.

Kimi has floundered since 2007 and been beaten by Massa, Alonso and Vettel.

Edited by FrontWing, 28 October 2015 - 23:30.

[Marklar]

Damn those are early days! Any other black drivers in the pipeline beside Jann Mardenborough?

Nothing noteworthy

[SophieB]

Again, the topic of congratulating or celebrating Hamitlon's third WDC title has gotten away and it's just a driver thread now. I am going to close it. PM me to ask for it to be re-opened if there's something really noteworthy you want to see in the thread.

And on a personal note, congratulations to Lewis Hamilton, very much deserved. It's moving to see someone achieve all their career goals. I look forward to seeing what happens next.