Defiant Lewis Hamilton Once Blatantly Ignored Father’s “Marriage” Advice to Pursue His Dream

A lot of doubts were raised over McLaren partner reigning world champion Fernando Alonso with a rookie Lewis Hamilton. However, it only took the first turn of the first race of Hamilton’s F1 career to quickly settle any doubts about the Stevenage kid. McLaren has provided for Hamilton since his junior years. From his first race win to his first world title, McLaren was ever-present. Hence, it makes sense when Lewis’s dad suggested his boy continue his longstanding relationship with the Papaya team.

However, Lewis Hamilton decided to run down his contract with the Woking-based team and ignore his father’s advice. The Briton signed for Mercedes in 2013 after 6 years with McLaren.

What advice did Anthony Hamilton give his son?

A father always wants the very best for his children. Anthony Hamilton was no exception. When rumors started circulating of unrest between McLaren authorities and Lewis, he asked his son to remember everything that the team had done for them during the difficult times.

As reported by the Guardian, Hamilton’s father, in 2011, told BBC Radio Five Live, “My advice right now is for Lewis to stay at McLaren. Don’t forget when Lewis was 12 years of age we were scratching around wondering where the next pound was going to come from for getting him to the next level of karting.”

Hamilton Sr. added, “Then Ron Dennis picked up the phone and said he would like to help us out”. He further stated, “My view is you see that through right to the very end unless you really come to the end of the relationship, and that is nowhere near the end for Lewis.“

The Briton also added that both Lewis and McLaren liked each other and acknowledged that they were going through a rough patch. He concluded by stating, “But I believe it is going to be a happy marriage if he stays.”

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Lewis eventually ended up moving to Mercedes, a move that changed his fortunes. He added 6 world championships to his existing one with McLaren with the Silver Arrows.

Lewis Hamilton is confident of extending his Mercedes stay beyond 2023

The Silver Arrows driver endured a difficult season with the team this year. However, that hasn’t dampened Hamilton’s spirits as he looks to continue with the Brackley-based constructors.

“We are going to do another deal,” Hamilton told the BBC. “We’re going to sit down and we’re going to discuss it in these next couple of months, I would say.”

He added, “My goal is to continue to be with Mercedes. I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. And it really is my family. Mercedes-Benz have stuck with me through thick and thin.”

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With the 2022 season now over, Mercedes and Lewis will hope to analyze their shortcomings and improve their performance. Can the Silver Arrows and 7-time champion fight back to challenge for the top spot at the podium once again?