LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed that his first Formula One world title win was a ‘horrendous’ journey that he was ill-prepared for.
Hamilton became the youngest-ever F1 champion at the tender age of 23 when he scooped the prestigious title back in 2008.
But although it was meant to be one of the best days of his life, Hamilton, who’s gone on to win six more titles, remembers it being a nightmare experience.
At the time Hamilton was still getting his feet wet in the racing game and felt he lacked the right mentality, team and tools which made the road to success a difficult one full of curves and bends.
The Brit relayed how he felt about his first championship to Sky Sports and said: “My first title? It was horrendous.
“I didn’t have a great structure around me in terms of management, I didn’t have help to know how to handle all these curveballs sent at me.
“I didn’t have all the experience, I didn’t have all the tools – except the ones in the car.
“But I was learning all these other tools in order to how to be a great team-mate, work with a group of people and help them elevate, and all these kind of things. Which was different for me then.”
However, looking back in hindsight, Hamilton wouldn’t of had it any different as those tough experiences made him a better driver who knows how to build a successful, cohesive team.
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He added: “I’m grateful I’ve had the experiences, I know how to build my team, I know how to win with my team and I know how to enjoy the ups and downs with my team.”
This year, things are a bit different and Hamilton’s locked in a title race with bitter rival Max Verstappen who stands in his way of winning his coveted eighth title.
Verstappen is 12 points ahead of Hamilton with just five races to go after the Dutchman’s epic win at the US Grand Prix.
While Hamilton’s been embroiled in 10 title battles, this is Verstappen’s first one in the six years he’s been at the wheel.
And Hamilton reckons the time difference in their success gives Verstappen an advantage because he should be better prepared for a title win than he was two years into his career, adding: “But he’s what, six years in? I was in my second year.”
The bickering pair have been at each other’s throats for most of the season, and some of their spats have nearly turned physical.
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But despite all their drama, Hamilton claims he’s not worried about Verstappen and has both eyes firmly focused on his own journey.
When asked about his nemesis, Hamilton said: “I don’t spend a moment thinking what might or what might not be a distraction for him, that doesn’t bother me either way.
“If I do my job to the best of my abilities, I don’t have a problem. That’s how I approach my job.”
