Today, Lewis Hamilton is one of the most popular names in Formula 1. The record-holding driver has won 7 world championships and over 100 races.

Currently in Mercedes, he has built his name in the sport and will soon be the brand ambassador for Ferrari. Although he is one of the highest-paid athletes on earth, he came from humble beginnings.

Lewis Hamilton was born to Anthony Hamilton and Carmen Larbalestier in the UK and now he is a name that the sport will never forget. But before Lewis Hamilton became a 7-time world champion, an event from when he was just 9-years-old was the push that he needed. After the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Lewis’ father Anthony Hamilton spoke about the driver’s journey and how a phone number changed their lives forever.

The moment Anthony Hamilton knew that his life won’t be the same

Anthony Hamilton is quite a known figure around the circuit as the father of the 7-time world champion. Following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Papa Hamilton was spotted and asked questions about an experience that has changed his life.

To this, he replied, “Probably one the biggest experiences, I think, was meeting Ron Dennis at the Auto Sport Awards when Lewis was just about 10 years of age. Lewis went up to Ron and said, ‘One day I want to race for my current,’ and Ron said, ‘Here’s my number, come back in 9 years’ time.”

 

Papa Hamilton explained his situation at the time. He said, “I just had an ordinary job; we had no idea where the karting would lead us, opportunity-wise. You know, I believe God puts you in the right place at the right time, and when someone says ‘call me in 9 years’ time,’ you work hard to make sure you achieve those opportunities and maximize your dream.”

“You know, when I was younger, nothing yet, nothing positive ever happened to me. Seriously, My mum died when I was 16, I left home, I’m struggling to find a job, find somewhere to live, and then positive things start to happen, and your life starts to change positively. Every time there’s a positive change, you just maximize and believe it as well.” Anthony Hamilton then moved on to speak about his son and how he raised the 7-time world champion.

Anthony Hamilton’s desire for Lewis Hamilton

The interview segment segued into the Mercedes man’s father speaking of his experience raising Lewis Hamilton. He said, “Nobody ever says when you have a kid, ‘Here’s a manual.’” Adding that parents need to learn things as they go while making mistakes. He states that he only wants one thing from his child as a parent and that was to be better than him.


via Imago

Reflecting on his past mistakes, the father of the champion sheltered his children from making the same mistakes he made so Lewis could become a better person. When Anthony Hamilton was asked about what his son Lewis meant to him, he answered by saying that his son makes him the proudest and believes he is a phenomenal individual.

But not leaving alone Lewis’ brother Nicholas, he extends the compliment to him too. After sharing that he would like his kids to be inspirational to others, he concluded his heartfelt message to fans about his relationship with his family.