‘A new Lewis Hamilton is coming’

Lewis Hamilton’s father is adamant the McLaren driver will come back stronger in 2012 as F1 fans get to see the “new Lewis Hamilton”…

Lewis Hamilton’s father is adamant the McLaren driver will come back stronger in 2012 as F1 fans get to see the “new Lewis Hamilton.”

Hamilton has suffered what he bills as his “worst year” ever in Formula One. Not only has he lacked the pace needed to challenge the Red Bulls on a regular occasion but he has also been involved in several on-track incidents.

And with his penalties amounting to six in just 16 grands prix, there has been plenty of criticism levelled at the 26-year-old from all quarters – not least the man who has proven to his 2011 nemesis, Felipe Massa.

Hamilton, though, seemed to put his woes behind him at the last race weekend in Korea where he not only ended Red Bull’s run of pole positions but also finished second, his first top-three finish in six races.

And his father Anthony, who used to be his manager, reckons his son is finally getting back into form.

“He’s turned a corner in everything he’s done, his lifestyle and his love of motorsport,” Hamilton Sr told BBC Sport.

“You’ve not seen Lewis Hamilton yet, you’ve seen a young Lewis Hamilton. Now a new Lewis Hamilton is coming.”

Anthony also praised Hamilton for fighting back after a deluge of criticism, which included questions about whether he was mentally just not in the game anymore.

“There’s only so much (negative criticism) that one person can take.

“Lewis is an extremely talented individual and I tell you what, most of us would not have been able to come back from what he has had to face this year.

“I think in Korea, he showed just how much of a Champion he is, not just as a racing driver but as an individual.

“Let’s face it, he’s had a tough year, he’s faced a lot of criticism and yet still he comes back fighting and can produce results that he did last week.

“He’s an incredible man and an inspiration to so many people.”