Mercedes chief casts light on Lewis Hamilton’s ‘elevated state’ ahead of a Formula 1 race
Lewis Hamilton is one of the biggest names to have ever stepped foot into the exciting world of Formula 1.
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Lewis Hamilton (Via: Imago)
Lewis Hamilton has been competing in Formula 1 since the start of the 2007 season. He is statistically the best driver to ever compete in the sport and amidst this, the Mercedes team coordinator Stephen Lord has taken the time to shed light on the Brit’s pre-race schedule.
Since replacing Angela Cullen in early 2023, Stephen Lord has been regularly taking part in Lewis Hamilton‘s pre-race ritual. In light of this, he revealed the elevated state Hamilton gets into ahead of a full-fledged F1 race.
We do go through an identical process every race, irrespective of where we may be starting, be it on pole or 15th. I think he needs a rhythm and a process that he knows is always going to be the same, but he does introduce elements into that process. He needs to be in a certain state of mind to get into the car, like an elevated state.
Stephen Lord via Beyond the Grid podcast
Looking at the reaction of the Brit, it seems Hamilton always prefers to get into a certain frame of mind to get the best out of him in a race. A prime example of this was seen in his last outing for the Mercedes F1 team in the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP. Despite starting the race from toward the south end of the grid, he stormed his way up the field to ultimately, end his outing in fourth place.
Is Lewis Hamilton ‘nervous’ ahead of a Grand Prix?
While Lord has stressed the elevated state Lewis Hamilton needs to be in ahead of a race, he has also revealed that the latter is nervous. Ahead of a Grand Prix, the Brit still gets the butterflies in his abdomen despite having over 350 outings under his belt.
He is still nervous every time he gets into the car before the start of a race, and he asks me often, as we’re getting ready, he’s putting his kit on, putting his helmet on, we’re doing all of the harnesses. He often asked me, are you nervous today?
Stephen Lord via the same podcast
Hamilton will be seen repping the Red of Ferrari from the 2025 season onwards. He is moving to the Maranello-based outfit with the motive of amassing the record-breaking eighth world championship. However, keeping in view the comments of Lord, it will be fascinating to see whether the 39-year-old will change his pre-race ritual in a new environment.
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Rishabh Negi
(3234 Articles Published)