Lewis Hamilton proud of guaranteeing grandad's legacy after renaming of Silverstone straight

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton proud of guaranteeing grandad's legacy after renaming of Silverstone straight

The International Pit Straight has been renamed the Hamilton Straight

Ewan Gale

Thursday 7 January 2021 14:59

Lewis Hamilton has declared the recent renaming of Silverstone's International Pit Straight to the Hamilton Straight as a "really proud thing" that has cemented his grandad's legacy.

Silverstone and the British Racing Drivers' Club announced the change in early December, marking the first time a section of the circuit had been named after a driver at the home of British motorsport.

BRDC president David Coulthard claimed Hamilton had become "a huge part" of Silverstone's history and felt such an honour was "in recognition of his record-breaking achievements” after surpassing Michael Schumacher's wins mark and equalling the legendary German drivers tally of seven titles.

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Commenting on the tribute, Hamilton, who celebrates his 36th birthday today [January 7], said: “Hamilton Straight! What an honour and I am so grateful to the BRDC. “To be honoured like this, and knowing that they haven’t done that with any other driver really.

“To have a Hamilton Straight, so even if my life ends tomorrow, the Hamilton name will always be there which is really...I really feel like I’ve got my grandad’s name there and that’s a really proud thing for me.”

After clinching his seventh world title at the Turkish Grand Prix, Hamilton sent a message to young people around the world to keep chasing their dreams.

The British driver has explained how he keeps track of his own aspirations from season-to-season.

"At the beginning of the year I jot down the things that I want to do," added Hamilton.

"Aspirations one to 10 and when I get to the track at the start of the season I have a book and I write at the beginning what my goal is.

"I never look at it again and at the end of the year I write whether I reached that goal.”