F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Reveals Inner Insecurities - "It's Not Easy"
A legend within the world of F1 with seven championships to his name, Lewis Hamilton has confessed to feelings of unworthiness, questioning the adoration that he was immediately met with upon entering the sport. The British populace, fervently supportive of this talent, cheered for him from his very debut, a relationship that continues undeterred to this day. And yet, within the heart of this British driver, there lay a nagging uncertainty - had he truly earned their applause?
Ever since his audacious entry into F1 with McLaren in 2007, Lewis Hamilton has been a name synonymous with the sport. In his debut year, he almost clinched the title, falling short by merely a single point. Yet, undeterred by the narrow loss, he roared back to secure a dramatic victory in 2008, further cementing his place in the hearts of British fans.
Unwavering support poured in from enthusiastic Brits, with fans flocking to Silverstone in droves sporting his merchandise and cheering him on. Even today, the cheers for Hamilton ring as loud as ever.
In a recent candid conversation with BBC Chequered Flag, Hamilton revealed his inner turmoil.
"Yes, it’s definitely a big element and a part of that," he admitted when asked about his insecurities. "Coming to the British Grand Prix – I've been to see other sporting events, but none of them come close to this one.
"When you have that support, I never ever dreamed of having people wearing a cap of mine or supporting me, I always thought it would just be my parents.
"To see that and experience it, it takes time to learn to fully embrace it because it’s not easy.
"There is so much energy and it is super overwhelming when you are on stage or in front of a crowd. I think probably when I was younger, there were days when I wouldn’t know if I felt like I truly deserve it.
"That’s just a part of my own issues growing up. Learning to be able to embrace it and pull that in and go on that journey with them.
"When I’ve won the grands prix here, I really feel like people were on the edge of their seats, whether it’s at home or it’s here supporting, kept me going."