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“He’s a quality driver, very strong”- Michael Schumacher foresaw Lewis Hamilton emulating his legacy when the latter was only 16

Samriddhi Jaiswal
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"He's a quality driver, very strong"- Michael Schumacher foresaw Lewis Hamilton emulating his legacy when the latter was only 16

Michael Schumacher complimented Lewis Hamilton and his talent and said that the 16-year-old has got what it takes to reach the top.

Lewis Hamilton impressed the F1 legend Michael Schumacher through his talents and commitment towards the sport in 2001. At the World Karting Championship, where Schumacher made a guest appearance in 2001, Schumacher said, “he’s[Hamilton] a quality driver, very strong and already 16.”

Hamilton participated in the World Karting Championship in 2001. He was already the most successful kart racer in the world.

At the age of 15, Hamilton made history becoming the first Briton to win the European Karting Championship. Complementing Hamilton’s talents and willpower, Schumacher said, “the 16-year-old[Hamilton] has got what it takes to make it to the top.”

“If he keeps this up I’m sure he will reach F1. It’s something special to see a kid of his age out on the circuit. He’s clearly got the right racing mentality.”

Also Read: Tom Holland says he is impressed by the work ethics of Lewis Hamilton

Schumacher knew Lewis Hamilton will beat his record

Hamilton had started racing when he was eight and by the age of 15, he was the most successful kart racer in the world. Hamilton had signed a long-term contract with the McLaren-Mercedes at that time. The Woking-based team was funding his karting career and Ron Dennis was his personal manager.

Later in 2007, Hamilton had already put up a tough battle with the then two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso. In 2008, Hamilton was battling against the Brazilian racing driver Felipe Massa and later claimed his first championship by beating Massa to victory by one point.

Earlier in 2008, Schumacher told BBC that he was absolutely sure that Hamilton could win seven titles. He said, “I would say, absolutely, yes [Hamilton could win seven titles]. Nobody thought, even me, that I could beat [Juan Manuel] Fangio. Then I did. Records are there to be beaten.”

“I’m quite relaxed that one day it will happen, whether it’s Lewis, whether it’s Massa, or whoever.”

Also read: Lewis Hamilton gets mugged by a nine-year-old during an interview

About the author

Samriddhi Jaiswal

Samriddhi Jaiswal

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Samriddhi Jaiswal is an F1 editor and writer at The SportsRush. She started her career as a business journalist but soon found her calling in lights out here we go! Samriddhi has been a Ferrari fan even when her interaction with F1 was occasional. Her first real experience with the thrilling sport came when Charles Leclerc clinched his iconic victory in Spa and Monza and painted the track red. Now, a Tifosi, Samriddhi is a hardcore fan of the prancing horse and can relate to the chaos within the Italian camp and also admires Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Off the track, she finds her home in books and musical instruments.

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