Lewis Hamilton sky diving and fashion interests make him stronger in F1 - Mercedes boss Toto Wolff

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton's 'distractions' make him stronger - Wolff

The champion has combined F1 with fashion and sky-diving,

Matthew Scott

Friday 15 March 2019 14:37

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has no concerns over Lewis Hamilton's jet-set lifestyle affecting his efforts during the 2019 Formula 1 season. Hamilton spent much of the off-season either surfing or sky-diving, but Wolff backed his man's taste for adrenaline.

Hamilton combined his F1 campaign last year with interests in music and fashion, going on to secure a fifth word title.

Wolff has previously spoken of his amazement at seeing Hamilton put his car on pole in Singapore, having spent the previous week promoting his fashion label in several countries.

And the Silver Arrows boss has backed Hamilton to combine interests once again in 2019.

Asked if he was concerned about Hamilton's extreme off-season, Wolff said: "I'm always worried!

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"We had a laugh last year because I couldn't get hold of him and couldn't get hold of my chief strategist and one of the race engineers – and found out they were racing motorbikes in Jerez and nobody would pick up the phone – and then they were a bit apologetic.

"But Lewis is not an 18 or 19 year old young man any more. He's a five-time world champion.

View this post on Instagram

I had the best Sunday morning in Qatar, left at 6am for an early drop. This is really one of my fav sports. I’m not great at it, I’m learning every jump I do but it’s really the best hobby. The free fall feeling, can’t tell you how happy it makes me. This is my new get away. @eljuanpazurita let’s go soon bro, this pic was inspired by your pic lol a big thank you to @skydiveqatar for taking me

A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Mar 11, 2019 at 2:12pm PDT

"He knows exactly what works for him and what doesn't.

"All these activities, in my experience, are not a negative distraction but on the other hand something that he enjoys that he enjoys doing.

"Some things are just a hobby: like sports; others are more of a passion, like the fashion business and every time he's able to decompress from motor racing, he comes back stronger.

"We mustn't be judgemental. Some people go on a meditation seminar to India. Others do sky-diving. Others are out for the ladies.

"Let's accept how everybody is. He is justified and has shown that he is one of the best out there."