Hamilton revels in inspiring next generation

Lewis Hamilton believes it "super-exciting" to think his record-breaking success could inspire the next generation of racing drivers.

Hamilton is statistically the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time and, for a generation, the Briton transcends the sport.

The seven-time champion, whose childhood hero Ayrton Senna, along with Michael Schumacher, also achieved such status, has expressed his excitement at being viewed as an inspiration.

"I never thought I would have people following me, and I realise the importance of what I am doing to people," Hamilton told the 'Formula for Success' podcast.

“Yes, I love getting up and working with a team towards a common goal.

“Being a part of a team where you get to put the icing on top of the cake or the finishing touch to getting success with the team, that is super exciting.

"But it’s also the idea that there is probably a young kid watching me realising it is also possible, that is super-exciting for me.”

A criticism of Hamilton is that he is a poor loser, something he admits himself, but he has revealed to being able to overcome that by making the positive moments last longer.

“I think I have always been someone that has hated to lose but I have somehow, I can’t really explain how, managed to find myself on the other side," added Hamilton.

"I love getting to the end of the race first and the happiness of that lasts a lot longer than it ever did before. It’s somehow shifted, and I think it’s come with age.”

Related

Lewis Hamilton

F1 team boss sends Hamilton bad news of even larger Mercedes decline

• Today 11:57

Latest F1 News

Verstappen admits new Mercedes relationship with F1 future update

• Yesterday 19:42