Lewis Hamilton ‘very humbled’ after Silverstone names pit straight after him
Written by News on 14/12/2020
Lewis Hamilton has said he is “very humbled” by the decision to rename part of the British Grand Prix racetrack Silverstone after him.
The Northamptonshire circuit’s International Pits Straight will now become the Hamilton Straight in tribute to the seven-time Formula One world champion.
The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), which owns the track, said it had made the decision because there was no better way to mark his achievement than to name the iconic pits straight in his honour.
It is the only part of the track to be named after a driver.
When BRDC chairman David Coulthard informed him, Hamilton said: “That is insane. That is definitely a curveball. I don’t even know what to say.”
Speaking on Channel 4, Hamilton added: “I remember going to Silverstone and watching Nigel Mansell and seeing that incredible crowd and I have also experienced it year-on-year. It is something so close to my heart.
“I am blown away. No driver has had that, so I am very grateful, very humbled, and a big thank you to everyone for supporting me. I hope I can continue to make the BRDC and the Brits proud for the time I am racing.”
Coulthard, a former F1 racing driver who has won 13 grand prix, said: “I was delighted, in my capacity as president of the BRDC, to share this news with Lewis today.
“Lewis has become a huge part of this history and the directors of the club and I felt there was no better way to mark this than to rename the iconic pits straight in recognition of his record-breaking achievements.”
Hamilton was taking part in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, starting third on the grid, as he attempted to win his 12th F1 race of the season, having been forced to take time out after previously contracting coronavirus.
He admitted he was “not the usual me” after he narrowly lost out to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the battle for pole position, as he “struggled” with his Mercedes car in qualifying.
Earlier this year, he became the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time after beating Michael Schumacher’s wins record and equalling the Ferrari great’s seven championships.
(c) Sky News 2020: Lewis Hamilton ‘very humbled’ after Silverstone names pit straight after him
