'He's made a big impact' - Hamilton inspiring 'Billy Whizz' Monger

Billy Monger has spoken about the positive impact Lewis Hamilton has had on him since he suffered life-altering injuries in a crash. Monger had to have both legs partially amputated after a sickening accident last April, but says he still hopes to reach F1 thanks to Hamilton's inspiration.

The motorsport world reached out to Monger after his collision in a Formula 4 race at Donington Park last year, with Hamilton among the many F1 drivers to offer encouragement and money to help buy prosthetic legs.

Monger was a guest of Hamilton's at last year's British Grand Prix and was also in attendance when Mercedes unveiled their 2018 challenger at Silverstone recently.

"He's made a big impact on me," Monger told Mobil 1 The Grid of the four-time world champion.

Mega day yesterday, loved every minute of it!!! ???????? #BillyWhizz

???? Steve Etherington pic.twitter.com/XzgASFDIHe — billywhizz (@BillyMonger) February 23, 2018

"When I was eight years old, watching Lewis win world championships, I wanted to be like him, I wanted to be an F1 world champion.

"When I went to the British Grand Prix with him, he was everything I’d hoped he’d be. He was really supportive, he gave me as much as time as he could. He just encouraged me to keep going with my dreams."

Monger has already returned to racing and is targeting a place in British Formula 3 this year, but his ultimate goal remains the premier class.

"The dream's always been the same," he added. "The ultimate goal's to become an F1 world champion.

"Whether that's possible now or not, I won't know unless I try, so I'm going to give it my best shot.

"If I make a difference to one person's life who's in a similar position to me, for them to go out and try a sport that they loved doing before but don't think they can do now.

"If I just make that difference to one person, then everything I'm doing here is worthwhile."