Lewis Hamilton is a big-time surfing enthusiast. Apart from indulging in various feel-good activities, the Mercedes star enjoys surfing a bit more when he’s in the North American country. Kelly Slater, a long-time friend of Hamilton, has always been open about the surfer and how he changed his life.

Slater, whom the Mercedes man knew since his surfing days, has often opened up on the American. The Briton also conveyed that Slater was the person who actively infused the interest of waves in him. In a Twitter post before the 2021 F1 season, Hamilton showered praise for Slater.

The 37-year-old wrote, “Kelly probably doesn’t know this, but he changed my life for the better. I want you all to know how great of a human being this man is. I am forever grateful for the time you have given me, for the insight, and your passion for the waves. Thank you @kellyslater”

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Robert Kelly Slater is a 50-year-old professional surfer and is best known for being an 11-time champion of the World Surf League. Based in Cocoa Beach, Florida, surfing fans consider the American the best professional surfer of all time.

Lewis Hamilton braces himself for an uncharacteristic season-ending

As the last race of the 2022 F1 season is coming up this weekend, Lewis Hamilton is preparing himself for a rather subdued end to the season. The icon has always been either a champion or, in the reckoning to be a champion at the time of the last race. However, this season paints a different story.

Hamilton has constantly been the man with the most race wins and points in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. He was the title contender alongside Max Verstappen last season. But he is without a single win this season. The boy from Stevenage is yet to pick up a win this season, as his record, which is tied with Michael Schumacher, is on the verge of ending.

Hamilton is the joint holder of the record for at least one win every season since 2007, along with Schumacher, who did it from 1992 to 2006. However, Hamilton is unaffected by the record and his goal is to be competitive.

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As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix inches closer, the scenario is quite opposite to last year. There is no pressure to retain the title, and the championship is not at stake. As things stand, the Mercedes star will try his best to pick up the win if possible. If not, next year he’ll try to come back stronger for his eighth world championship.