Hamilton ‘improving when little left to perfect’

Jon Wilde
Lewis Hamilton title

Lewis Hamilton title

Mercedes chairman Ola Kallenius has paid tribute to Lewis Hamilton, expressing admiration for how the World Champion keeps finding ways to improve.

Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven World Championships by winning the Turkish Grand Prix with a typically virtuoso performance in challenging conditions.

Starting sixth on the grid, the 35-year-old Briton made a set of intermediate tyres last 50 laps on a slippery, drying circuit and as his rivals gradually fell away he eventually took the chequered flag more than half a minute ahead of second-placed Sergio Perez.

Kallenius, who is chairman of the Daimler organisation and head of Mercedes-Benz, is in awe of the way in which Hamilton continues to set the bar higher even when it appears difficult to get any better than he already is.

“Huge congratulations to Lewis on this seventh World Championship – what an incredible achievement,” said Kallenius.

“Lewis has been a part of our Mercedes family for over 20 years now. He joined us as an incredible karting talent. Today, he’s one of the best drivers of all time.

“Lewis keeps improving even when it might seem like there’s little left to perfect and I’m excited to see where else his journey will take him.”

Ola Kallenius, head of Mercedes-Benz, Lewis Hamilton

Get your hands on the official Mercedes 2020 collection via the Formula 1 store 

Kallenius also hailed the work Hamilton has been doing away from the circuit to promote diversity and inclusion within society.

“It’s not just Lewis’ development on track that is impressive but also his inspiring journey off track,” added Kallenius.

“Lewis has become a passionate advocate for more diversity and inclusion. He has also taken tangible steps to support this important cause. As a team and as a company we stand with him.

“We are proud you are part of our family, Lewis. Thank you for seven World Championships powered by Mercedes!”

Although Hamilton has won six of his seven titles with the Mercedes team, his first came when the German manufacturer supplied engines to McLaren in 2008.

The 20-year association to which Kallenius referred dates back to when Hamilton and Nico Rosberg raced in karting for Team MBM, which stood for Mercedes-Benz-McLaren and was run by Dino Chiesa.

Follow us on Twitter @Planet_F1, like our Facebook page and join us on Instagram!