Hamilton: The idea of becoming a Formula 1 driver was madness

Famously having started his journey to the top of the F1 world from a working-class home in Stevenage, Hamilton has acknowledged there were times he didn't quite see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“When I was a boy, the idea of becoming a Formula 1 driver was madness," he told Italian magazine Style. "I was very lucky because my father pushed me not to give up."

“I’ve never had a quitting mindset and that’s part of the reason I’m where I am today. But there have been many difficult moments. I remember coming home from school, super excited to go karting, and my dad having to tell me that we didn’t have enough money to go that week. The other kids at the track didn’t have those worries.”

Often taking on two or three jobs at a time to support Hamilton's racing career, father Anthony made sure his son could compete even without the financial backing of many of his rivals. In doing so, he instilled in the 35-year-old a simple mantra he wants to pass on to the next Lewis Hamilton.

“You always have to chase your dreams: even if they seem impossible.”

At the same time, Hamilton maintains he's evolved over the years, tempering some of the raw aggression that some can affect younger drivers on the grid.

"I think sometimes people confuse aggression with passion. To be successful in this sport you have to be passionate when racing and have the [right] mentality that pushes you to win.

“I’ve always been a passionate, hungry and determined racer. That will never change. But it would be crazy to say that I haven’t learned anything along the way."

“When I was younger it was more difficult for me to deal with setbacks, I’d take things personally and had a tendency to beat myself up about it. Now I know that every defeat is just another chance to improve,” he said.

"The younger generation will always want to challenge the older drivers and leave their mark, but going faster than those with more experience is never easy."