LEWIS HAMILTON has passed on invaluable advice to Mercedes’ stars of the future.
The seven-time world champion fielded questions from junior drivers as the Silver Arrows unveiled their new W13 car at Silverstone on Friday.
Hamilton, 37, was asked by 14-year-old Alex Powell about how to inspire budding karters in other parts of the world.
Powell said: “I come from the Caribbean and that’s where I started my go-karting career.
“In my limited capacity I try to encourage other karters from the Caribbean to achieve whatever their goal is.
“But with your experience as a seven-time world champion, what advice would you give to them?”
Hamilton replied: “I think firstly, I commend you on that, and I think it’s really just about believing in yourself.
“If you have a goal, if you have an ambition, it’s never losing sight of that and staying focused.
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“Each and every one of you has a unique ability and I can see already the drive in all of your eye, which really connects us because we’ve all had that since very young.
“And I think really just, as I said, just never give up on your dream, never give up on your goal.
“It takes hard work and dedication so, you know, focus and give it absolutely everything.
“And naturally, I think the most important thing is education. Make sure you work hard at school – because that is the foundation to enable us to do what we do in the cars we have today.”
Hamilton also lifted the lid on retirement rumours that surrounded him during the off-season.
The Brit said: “I never, ever said that I was going to stop. I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people.
“You really feel like you’re part of a team and part of a family, working towards that common goal. There’s no feeling quite like it.
“But yeah… it was obviously a difficult time for me, and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back and focus on being present. I had my family all around me, and creating great moments.
“And I eventually got to a point where I decided I was going to be attacking coming into another season, and working with Toto [Wolff] and George [Russell].
“It’s exciting seeing George come in and bringing his energy. I can already feel that throughout the team. I think it’s going to be an exciting season.”
