THE WORLD’S greatest sprinter, Usain Bolt, has paid homage to seven times Formula 1 world kingpin, Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Writing exclusively for Formula 1’s new free fan platform, F1 Unlocked, legendary sprinter and 8-time Olympic champion Bolt discusses his admiration for Sir Lewis Hamilton, the importance of being a positive influence off-track and his surreal hot lap experience around Circuit of The Americas with the Mercedes driver.
No matter where you come from, or whatever situation you were born into, everybody deserves a chance to better themselves and should be supported to succeed
Usain Bolt
F1U: The mental strength and athleticism of F1 drivers:
UB: “I’ve met [Lewis] at a few races now, and he’s always so focused and driven. I get it. Those are the same qualities you need to make it in any top sport.
“You always watch F1 drivers, whether it’s Hamilton, Verstappen, Alonso, you always watch them train so hard on social media. To be able to maintain that level of concentration at such high speeds for so long requires a fit body and mind. So, there’s no doubting they’re athletes.”
Describe your hot lap experience with Lewis and the responsibility of being a role model:
“The biggest memory I have of hanging out with Lewis is that hot lap he took me on at Austin, a few years ago. It was crazy – he turned off the traction control in the middle of the lap and I pleaded with him not to! That green Mercedes was sliding around and we were just laughing the whole time. What an experience.
“That was back in 2017. Now he’s got seven titles and more than 100 wins. But Lewis is a winner off the track too. In our position, we are role models and have a responsibility to influence people in a positive way. No matter where you come from, or whatever situation you were born into, everybody deserves a chance to better themselves and should be supported to succeed.”
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