Lewis Hamilton hits back at 'bee in his bonnet' Sir Jackie Stewart

Lewis Hamilton

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Hamilton hits back at 'bee in his bonnet' Sir Jackie Stewart

Three-time champion said Hamilton was not in his top-three drivers

Ian Parkes

Tuesday 13 October 2020 05:00

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Lewis Hamilton has taken a thinly-veiled dig at Sir Jackie Stewart following negative comments from the three-time champion aimed at his fellow Briton.

With his victory in Sunday's Eifel Grand Prix, Hamilton again etched his name in the Formula 1 record books by equalling Michael Schumacher's milestone for most career wins set at 91.

With a 69-point lead over Mercedes team-mate Vatteri Bottas in the drivers' standings, Hamilton is also set to match Schumacher's record haul of seven world titles.

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Despite his achievements, Hamilton is not on Stewart's list of all-time top-three drivers, with the Scot instead citing Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna, primarily based on the eras in which they raced

Hamilton concedes to being baffled as to why he draws criticism despite his feats on track.

"I get knocked by many people, particularly like older drivers, they still have a bee in their bonnet," said Hamilton. "I don’t know why but maybe one day they’ll get over it.

"I have so much respect for the past and the past legends even though they do continue to talk negatively about me all the time.

"But I still hold them in high regard because I know it’s so difficult, a different time in history. It was incredibly tough for them and they remain the legends they were then."

Hamilton is convinced he will take a different approach should he find himself in a similar position to Stewart in reflecting on the drivers who will be chasing his own records years down the line.

"In 20 years’ time, whatever it is, when I’m looking back, I can promise you this: I will not be talking down any young driver that’s coming through and succeeding," insisted Hamilton.

"Because our responsibility, as an older driver, is to shine the light as bright as possible and encourage those that...

"There’s going to be someone else, whether it’s Max [Verstappen], or whoever it may be, that is going to be chasing the record that I eventually set. It’s the wrong kind of character and approach to be hoping he doesn’t break it.

"You should be encouraging them, hoping they live to their full potential. And if that means them getting to your record, that’s amazing."

Before you go...

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Five talking points from the Eifel Grand Prix