The Inside Line - on McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton 27 Apr 2012
As one of the most famous current Formula One drivers, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton is very used to being in the public eye. But there are some areas of Hamilton’s life which have remained hidden - until now. We find out about the Briton’s obsession with a certain brand of sweet treats, his love of a roast dinner, why he would happily retire to Grenada and why he finds it ‘weird’ to be considered a hero…
Q: What keeps you awake at night?
Lewis Hamilton: Light. Literally light. I sleep really well, but I don’t like having light in the room.
Q: What’s been your most valuable ‘life’ lesson?
LH: I think ‘never giving up’ was probably the most valuable life lesson. There are always times when you want to give up. It could have been in a race, it could have been during a season, and it could have been in my racing career, but I kept pushing. And look where I am now!
Q: If you could give your younger self some advice what would it be?
LH: That it is slippery on the pit-lane entry in China! (laughs) Okay that’s very recent advice I would have given myself. It would probably be to never give up. It has eternal validity.
Q: If your racing career ended after this season what would you do with the rest of your life?
LH: I think I would try and take acting lessons and try to participate in some small cameos in the movies. Or mess around in music. It would be kind of neat to play in a band - a small band.
Q: If you had to stay in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?
LH: Grenada. You’d have a peaceful life there with beautiful weather and beautiful beaches. I feel that is where I fit in most.
Q: What animal best reflects your personality?
LH: Oh. My favourite animal is the black panther - it is the coolest, sleekest-looking animal. Maybe that’s a fit! (laughs) No I’m not really sure…
Q: What is more important in life than winning?
LH: Family.
Q: When were you happiest?
LH: When I won my first Grand Prix. Achieving greatness, against all odds. To finally get there and to be on top of the podium.
Q: How does it feel to be considered a hero?
LH: When people say that it doesn’t register because I cannot imagine it. It is nothing that I feel as a person as it doesn’t feel real. I am just like everyone. I went to a normal school and do normal things. There was a guy - older than me - in a restaurant the other day and he said that I’m his hero. That was very weird because a hero for me is Superman. But I’m not Superman! (laughs)
Q: What is your greatest weakness?
LH: I wouldn’t tell you that! One little weakness is that I love sweets. I cannot stay away from sweets. Whenever I see sweets or chocolate I’m stuck. Later on, the workout is the revenge.
Q: What’s your ultimate comfort food?
LH: Sweets. Haribo.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get home after a race?
LH: I see what’s in the fridge - what food I have and what sweets.
Q: What’s your favourite smell?
LH: Sweets? When you open a bag of Haribo cherries. It’s that smell.
Q: What’s the best advice you have been given?
LH: Always keep your feet on the ground. Always remember where you are from. Remain humble. That’s from my dad.
Q: Are you the man you always thought you would become?
LH: I never knew what I would become. But I think I am definitely beyond what I would have ever expected - in every respect.
Q: What tastes like home?
LH: When I have roast dinner, that reminds me of home. We always used to have one on a Sunday.
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