Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has a host of interests apart from Formula 1. With a keen interest in the fashion and music industry, Hamilton has often expressed his desire to have a career in one of these fields once his time in Formula 1 comes to an end.
However, he is still just as ruthless on the track. Yet, former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone believes that Hamilton is not fully focused on the sport and this will end up hurting him.
Ecclestone alluded to the difference in Hamilton’s attitude with that of former stalwarts such as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Nelson Piquet.
“No, definitely not! They were all one hundred percent focused on winning races,” Ecclestone said regarding how committed they were to racing.
“But Lewis has so many other things and people who want time from him.
“So I hope he doesn’t waste himself there. That’s typically Lewis. The other drivers are also not like they were 30 years ago.
“If they had some time back then, they went to their friends.
“That doesn’t happen anymore today.”
It will be interesting to see if Ecclestone’s words do hold some truth.
Mercedes had an awful three days at pre-season testing in Bahrain. Red Bull, meanwhile, was very impressive with Max Verstappen and new recruit Sergio Perez registering the fastest lap times.
This has led many to speculate that this might finally be the year Verstappen challenges Hamilton for the world title. Ecclestone concurred with this assessment.
“We’ll have to wait and see if things have changed for him in the coming season.
“I hope that all the things he’s involved in don’t affect his racing skills.
“But clearly Max Verstappen will challenge him this season.”
March 28 will mark the first day of the new season. Will Verstappen find a way to establish an early lead over the British driver?
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