Hamilton: the peak of my life but there is still a greater victory to achieve

There was finally the manner in an expected triumph: Lewis Hamilton became the equal of Michael Schumacher on the Istanbul Park track with a seventh drivers’ title. The Briton clinched a prestigious victory, the 94th of his career, in rainy, daunting conditions, detailed in the [race summary](https://url).

Touched, Hamilton seemed sincere when speaking on his radio to Peter Bonnington, his track engineer, and Toto Wolff, his team principal. His first words were, of course, cries of joy, but there was also this message: to all the children watching us, don’t let anyone tell you that it’s impossible.

Wow. Un septième titre pour Lewis Hamilton et de quelle manière ! pic.twitter.com/KToMULHkPo

— Motors Inside – F1 ???????? (@MotorsInside) November 15, 2020

A victory towards equality

An important message (read also here), delivered by the driver in a post-race press video conference. Facing the journalists, Hamilton thanked his parents, of humble origins, who made sacrifices for his success. “We have earned respect,” celebrated the Mercedes leader.

Emphasizing: « This is a world championship and it’s the pinnacle of my life so far. But there is more to do. There is a bigger victory we need to achieve together. »

This victory to be achieved is that of equality, which Hamilton has made a fight for, notably since the beginning of the season, by wearing T-shirts and kneeling on the grid for the Black Lives Matter movement. This Sunday after the race, the main concerned party was speaking mainly to the youth, declaring that « we must fight for the equality of all children in the world, to create a better future for them. »

Message hammered to journalists worldwide:

« Of course, it’s no secret that I am here (in Formula 1) the only person of color. I hope I have sent a message to the children watching. Create your own path. Because that’s what I managed to do. It has been tough. But I really have this important message: to dream as hard as possible and never give up! »

« There is a greater victory that we need to achieve together »

Behind the message, emotions (nonetheless)

Always very philosophical when it comes to approaching his victories, Hamilton admitted to having emotions in the last laps of the race in Turkey, while he was leading. Wondering with his team whether they should pit to change tires, the Briton replayed the thread of his career. Particularly thinking of his father Anthony, his stepmother Linda, or his disabled younger brother, Nicholas.

« I didn’t want people to see that I had tears starting to flow behind my helmet. I’ve always said I didn’t want people to see me cry! »

Emu but greedy, Lewis Hamilton also indicated that he wanted even more weekends similar to Turkey. More tricky conditions.

The former rival of Nico Rosberg believes he has learned from his past experiences, referring to his rookie year and his retirement in a gravel trap at the Chinese Grand Prix in 2007, in the rain. But this time the Briton constantly monitored his tires. « I tried to save my tires even in high-speed corners. The key was to keep the temperature. »

This Sunday in Turkey, Hamilton made the right choice to stay on track with only one pit stop, like Pérez.

« I always said that I didn’t want people to see me cry! »

What about the new contract?

Here is Hamilton, seven-time world champion, at the top of F1 alongside Michael Schumacher. Still negotiating his 2021 contract with Mercedes, it was impossible to avoid the question of his future.

I don’t think I’ll be around at 40, but you know, I’m only 35. I feel young and fresh. There’s still a lot of work to be done in this sport, slipped Hamilton, who is still keeping us in suspense before re-signing… unless there’s a last-minute surprise!

???? “I’d love to stay, I feel like we’ve got a lot of work to do here.” ❤️

Debriefing an unforgettable day in Istanbul ????

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) November 15, 2020