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      Lewis Hamilton reveals sickening racist abuse after British F1 legend was told ‘go back to your own country’ as a kid

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed how he was racially abused at the start of his journey to becoming a Formula One legend.
      The 35-year-old equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven F1 titles at the weekend when he won the Turkish Grand Prix.

      Lewis Hamilton revealed some of the racist abuse he suffered when he was youngCredit: Getty Images

      The seven-time world champion was subjected to racial abuse in his early racing daysCredit: Popperfoto – Getty

      It only re-affirmed the opinion of many that he is the sport’s greatest ever driver.
      But Hamilton has revealed the struggles he’s had to overcome to reach the pinnacle he now finds himself at.
      And shockingly, the Hertfordshire superstar has spoken of how he was targetted with vile racist abuse.
      Speaking on BBC News this morning, Hamilton revealed he was told: “You’re not going to make it, go back to your own country.”

      He said: “All these horrible things and I remember thinking I’m going to prove you wrong.
      “The message is for all the kids out there who feel they don’t have a voice and might be dreaming of something or want to dream big.
      “For the kids out there who dream the impossible, do not give up on that dream because I am living proof that you can manifest your dreams and even the impossible ones.
      “I remember as a kid adults, teachers, parents of other drivers telling me that I would not make it.”

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Hamilton has been unstoppable during this Covid-hit season, winning ten of the 14 races.
      While off the track, he has promoted Black Lives Matter and highlighted inequality and environmental issues across the world.
      He has used his platform as Formula One’s most successful driver of all time to help raise awareness — and says that is more special to him than another title.
      The F1 legend has also set up, and partly funds, the Hamilton Commission ‘to identify the key barriers to recruitment and progression of black people in UK motorsport’.
      Hamilton also exclusively spoke to The Sun to mark Black History month, where he revealed boxing legend and black activist Muhammad Ali has always been his driving force.
      His status as a great driver has been obvious since he emerged in Formula One in 2007. Now he is marking himself out as a great man, too.

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals he DID hold talks with Ferrari but ‘options on the table weren’t the right ones’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed he did hold talks with Ferrari about moving to the Italian team – but the offer wasn’t right.
      The Brit sealed a stunning seventh world title this weekend after another dominant season in his Mercedes.

      Lewis Hamilton revealed he held talks with Ferrari over a blockbuster moveCredit: Reuters

      But there had been talk that Hamilton, 35, could leave the Silver Arrows for a move to the famed scarlet Ferrari with his contract up this year.
      In an interview with respected Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the seven-time world champ revealed talks took place over a blockbuster switch.
      He said: “We were never really close.
      “We talked on occasion but we didn’t go beyond understanding what options were on the table and they weren’t the right ones.”

      Speaking about Ferrari, Hamilton added: “Our positions have never aligned.
      “I think timing matters and things happen in the end for a reason.
      “In recent seasons my contract always expired in years different from that of all the other drivers. In the end, it went like this.”

      The Brit sealed a seventh world title with victory in Turkey at the weekendCredit: Reuters

      Lewis Hamilton said he was ‘never really close’ to agreeing a deal with FerrariCredit: Getty Images
      Hamilton matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles this weekend and there are calls to knight the Brit.

      He also is now ready to hash out a new £120m three-year deal with Mercedes after what feels like years of speculation over his future.
      The 35-year-old has just 43 days left on his contract with three more races in the 2020 season.
      When SunSport asked the reigning champion if now was the time to sign up now he’d secured the title, he said: “Definitely it’s something that we do need to get onto.
      I just always think, through the year that I’ve got a job to do, I’ve got a contract in place, I don’t feel like I should add pressure.
      “It has to be organic and not something that’s forced. So, I thought I’d bet on myself.
      “Naturally there are days when you think ‘what happens if you start making mistakes?’

      “What happens if you get worse all of a sudden, you don’t put in these great performances?
      “Does your value decrease? Does your bargaining power decrease? Does your reputation go off a cliff?
      “I know there’s scenarios in life where you’re like ‘let’s sign up real quick’, so you guarantee your future, and for me, I’ve bet on myself.
      “I do the work. I know myself better than anyone and I know what I can do, and I know how to do it. Better than ever.

      “And so, I wanted to put it aside and wait until the job is done.
      “So, probably over these next weeks – we’ve got three weeks in the Middle East – so, now it’s a bit more chilled but I still have three races ahead of me that I want to win.
      “It’s not done but we will get it done, I’m sure.”

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      Ronnie O’Sullivan snubs Lewis Hamilton from his seven-man sports GOAT list amid calls for F1 star to be knighted

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      RONNIE O’SULLIVAN reckons Lewis Hamilton can’t be one of sport’s greats because his car gives him an unfair advantage.
      The snooker world champion snubbed Hamilton from his list of all-time greats because F1 is not “a level playing field”.

      Ronnie O’Sullivan dismissed Lewis Hamilton as one of sport’s greatsCredit: Getty Images

      Lewis Hamilton won his seventh F1 world title on SundayCredit: Getty Images

      Hamilton, 35, won his seventh world title with victory in Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix to equal Michael Schumacher’s incredible record.
      And there are calls for the Mercedes driver to be knighted after his stunning achievement.
      But O’Sullivan told the Express: “It is fantastic for Lewis to win seven world titles, but if your car is going around quicker you can afford to make a few mistakes and still get away with it.
      “It’s a bit like driving around smoking a cigar with one finger on the wheel!

      “I think it’s difficult to say where he is (among the greats).

      “A lot of the sports I watch – the people that have done it, you have to look whether it’s a level playing field.
      “If you have a car that is going a second a lap quicker than the other cars, in theory all he has to beat is his team-mate [Valtteri] Bottas – who seems to be comfortable and happy playing second fiddle.
      “I wouldn’t have felt as good about my career in snooker if I had been playing on a table where the pockets I was using were bigger than my opponent’s.”

      O’Sullivan went on to name seven great sports stars which he claimed dominated on a level playing field, unlike Hamilton.

      The six-time world snooker champ said: “It doesn’t mean as much as say a sport like tennis with Federer playing everyone on a level playing field, or Kipchoge running against everyone on a level playing field.
      “Snooker is like that, too, with a level playing field. In boxing certain boxers avoid certain fighters so that makes it hard for them to have credibility unless they fought the best.

      “That’s why you have to give credit to people like Tyson Fury because you know they won’t duck anyone and will fight anyone anywhere at any time.
      “I just think sport is where there is no advantage.
      “You don’t get to choose your opponent or have better equipment. So for me, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Phil Taylor in darts, Tiger Woods, Messi, Ronaldo… it’s there to see.”

      Hamilton won Sunday’s Turkish Grand Prix in stunning style at the weekendCredit: Reuters

      Ronnie O’Sullivan won his 6th World Snooker Championship earlier this yearCredit: Rex Features

      Ronnie O’Sullivan launches into furious rant at Mark Allen in snooker ‘bullying’ row More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘faces wait for knighthood due to new Government policy NOT to honour active sports stars’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will have to RETIRE before earning a knighthood, according to reports.
      Following the Mercedes star’s record-equalling seventh Formula One world title, many in the sport see it as inconceivable that Hamilton will not eventually be knighted.

      Lewis Hamilton may have to wait until for a knighthood, despite calls for an immediate honourCredit: Rex Features

      However, the Mail report on a recent Government U-turn that will see the end of the honour being handed out to active sports stars.
      A number of top British athletes have been knighted before retiring, from Sir Mo Farah and Sir Andy Murray to Dame Kelly Holmes.
      Having topped Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 race wins and levelled the Ferrari legend’s seven world titles, Hamilton is expected to receive plenty of rewards in the coming months.
      One more trophy, the Sports Personality of the Year Award, is set to be keenly contested with Tyson Fury and coronavirus pandemic heroes such as Joe Wicks.

      And Mercedes are set to hold talks with the 35-year-old over a fresh contract, worth a total £120million.
      Hamilton has previously spoken modestly when it comes to being knighted, but is a ‘proud Brit’ who readily waves the Union Jack with each triumph.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      He said: “When I think about that honour, I think about people like my grandad who fought in the war, or Captain Tom for what he did.
      “Or the people in the hospitals who are saving us during this hardest of times. I think about those unsung heroes.

      “I am not a hero. I am not saving anybody. It is an incredible honour that a small group of people have bestowed on them.
      “But what I can say is that I am a very proud Brit and it is a special moment to be representing a nation with the flag above your head in P1.”

      Hamilton drove to a sensational victory in Istanbul on Sunday to claim his titleCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Brit racer enjoyed a run on the beach on Tuesday morning as he soaked up his achievementCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton

      A number of motorsport figures are said to have written to the Government to press for Hamilton’s knighthood.
      UK Motorsport boss Dave Richards is quoted as saying the gong is ‘not just about Hamilton being a supreme racing driver but for all the other work he does’.
      The only other F1 world champion to be knighted, Sir Jackie Stewart, has told the Telegraph that there is ‘no question’ Hamilton deserves to join him.

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      Lewis Hamilton finally ready to thrash out new £120m Mercedes deal after equalling F1 legend Michael Schumacher’s record

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and his Mercedes boss Toto Wolff toasted his seventh title with a few glasses of something special at 30,000ft.
      But now it’s time to put pleasantries aside as they lock horns over a new deal.

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s top earner at £40m per year

      Hamilton flew back to Nice before the short 30 minute transit to his Monaco home while Wolff was visiting his wife, Susie, who is team boss of the Venturi Formula E team based in the principality.
      The 35-year-old has just 44 days remaining on his current deal with the Silver Arrows.
      It’s a unique situation for his previous contracts have usually been tied up by September.
      But then this Covid-hit season is not normal by any stretch.

      Wolff and Hamilton have been forced to keep their distance, unlike their last contract renewal that took place in Hamilton’s kitchen over a takeaway pizza and lasted for ten hours.
      Hamilton has taken his time. He says his focus has been on winning the title.
      But with title No7 now secured, his attention will turn to his new contract, expected to be a three year deal worth £40million a season.
      When SunSport asked the reigning champion if now was the time to sign up now he’d secured the title, he said: “Definitely it’s something that we do need to get onto.

      Hamilton is expected to open talks with Mercedes boss Wolff over a new contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I just always think, through the year that I’ve got a job to do, I’ve got a contract in place, I don’t feel like I should add pressure.
      “It has to be organic and not something that’s forced. So, I thought I’d bet on myself.
      “Naturally there are days when you think ‘what happens if you start making mistakes?’
      “What happens if you get worse all of a sudden, you don’t put in these great performances?
      “Does your value decrease? Does your bargaining power decrease? Does your reputation go off a cliff?
      “I know there’s scenarios in life where you’re like ‘let’s sign up real quick’, so you guarantee your future, and for me, I’ve bet on myself.
      “I do the work. I know myself better than anyone and I know what I can do, and I know how to do it. Better than ever.
      “And so, I wanted to put it aside and wait until the job is done.
      “So, probably over these next weeks – we’ve got three weeks in the Middle East – so, now it’s a bit more chilled but I still have three races ahead of me that I want to win.
      “It’s not done but we will get it done, I’m sure.”

      Hamilton was showered in champagne after winning his seventh titleCredit: Splash News
      While the financial details are expected to remain the same from his current deal, in this time of cost-cutting and the looming cost-cap to limit team’s spending, Mercedes know the value he brings to their brand.
      His success and image have helped transform the three-pointed star’s association with an old man’s motor to one of the biggest and coolest brands in the world.
      As a seven-time champ, Hamilton could name his price and Wolff would need to play hard-ball with the Damlier board in Stuttgart – a difficult position given his own future is not yet resolved.
      Wolff, who also owns a 30 percent share in the team, is understood to be angling for a role of chairman, formerly held by the late Niki Lauda.
      It would free him up for his other business interests, including his private shareholding in Aston Martin, plus giving him some more time with his family.
      Wolff, says he will be sticking around in some capacity, having identified his successor.
      And he is confident Hamilton will be doing the same.
      Prior to Hamilton’s win in Istanbul, he said: “I don’t want to drop a date (when Hamilton will sign) because, if I do, everybody’s going to ask at every single race – but this is what we agreed.
      “I think it was important to make sure that we have both titles secured and then have a more relaxed approach to the discussion about the future.
      “It’s a good dependence on each other. We would like him in the car and I think he wants to drive the Mercedes – because it’s competitive.
      “So, no, I think there is a good balance.”

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      From knighthood to SPOTY… what’s next for Lewis Hamilton after matching Michael Schumacher’s record?

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has the world at his feet having matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 titles.
      The British legend is swarmed with options as his future remains bright and here SunSport looks at what could be next for the champ.

      Lewis Hamilton won his seventh world title in Turkey to match Michael Schumacher’s recordCredit: Rex Features
      New Contract

      The top priority for Hamilton, after allowing his achievement to sink in, is to get his new Mercedes deal signed.
      It is likely to be a three-year deal with earnings of around £40million a season, a similar contract to his current one that expires on December 31st.
      He will use the time over the next three races in the Middle East to discuss terms with Merc boss Toto Wolff.
      Expect less media and sponsorship days to be part of the package – as a seven time world champion, he is in a powerful position to dictate his terms.

      The top priority for Lewis Hamilton is to get his new Mercedes deal signedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Knighthood
      Hamilton was quizzed about becoming Sir Lewis. There is no doubt he would welcome a knighthood, but it is not the priority.
      He said: “When I think about that honour, I think about people like my grandad who fought in the war, or Captain Tom for what he did.
      “Or the people in the hospitals who are saving us during this hardest of times. I think about those unsung heroes.
      “I am not a hero. I am not saving anybody. It is an incredible honour that a small group of people have bestowed on them.

      “But what I can say is that I am a very proud Brit and it is a special moment to be representing a nation with the flag above your head in P1.”

      There is no doubt Hamilton would welcome a knighthoodCredit: PA:Press Association

      SPOTY
      He has won it before and missed out before.
      It is fair to assume that Hamilton’s desire to win over the British public remains as strong as it ever was.
      However, there is also an understanding that perhaps he will never enjoy universal support from us Brits.
      Perhaps we should not be surprised that an F1 star misses out on the award.
      Think of Ryan Giggs beating Jenson Button to the SPOTY Award in 2009.
      Like the Knighthood, Hamilton would no doubt love it, but he is also realistic to know that it is not the be all and end all.

      It is fair to assume that Hamilton’s desire to win over the British public remains as strong as it ever wasCredit: PA:Press Association
      Retirement
      Despite claiming to be as fresh as ever, Hamilton is planning for his retirement.
      He has made a few investments in property and, given the fortune he has amassed – estimated to be around £225million – he won’t be going hungry.
      Whichever way his career takes when he eventually does decide to retire, it is likely to be away from the F1 race track.
      He has spent 14 years in F1 so far and has previously stated that he has no interest in being a TV pundit like many others.

      Despite claiming to be as fresh as ever, Hamilton is planning for his retirementCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Other interests
      Fashion remains a big one for Hamilton but we can also expect a big contribution to his aspirations with music.
      He has recently posted a lot about the work he is doing in the studio. He has only just admitted he contributed to singing vocals in Christina Aguilera’s 2018 track ‘Pipe’, appearing as the artist XNDA.
      Other projects include being a boss of his own race team.
      He has entered a team in the Extreme E racing series that will race in remote parts of the world to highlight problems with climate change.

      Fashion remains a big one for HamiltonCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Six great Lewis Hamilton wins after his rain masterclass in Turkey to win seventh world title

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      THIS was a typical Hamilton triumph — rain and drama as the Brit conjured up a victory from nothing for his tenth win in 14 grands prix.
      Here SunSport looks at six other great wins from his career . . . 

      Lewis Hamilton won his tenth grand prix in 14 races in TurkeyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hamilton celebrates his seventh world titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BRITISH GRAND PRIX, 2008

      Hamilton won on home soil in 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      He drove magnificently in the wet for McLarenCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hamilton had an incredible debut season with McLaren but he won his first title in 2008.
      In the pouring rain at Silverstone, he produced one of the greatest drives in the wet.
      His decision to go for intermediate tyres was ballsy and brilliant and when the others needed to stop later on, he was well clear, finishing more than a minute ahead of Nick Heidfeld in second.
      CHINESE GP, 2011

      Hamilton won in China despite Red Bull’s dominance in 2011Credit: Action Images – Reuters

      A three-stop strategy helped him blast through the field in ShanghaiCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      He only wins in the best car? Well Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel had the better car on this day.

      Hamilton stuck to a three-stop strategy and when he emerged late on with fresh tyres, he blasted through the field. At the time, he rated it as one of his best-ever drives.
      HUNGARIAN GP, 2013

      Hamilton pops the champers after winning his first race with MercedesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was a phenomenal start to life with his new team in BudapestCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Oh, how we questioned what he was doing but at the Hungaroring he finally proved us all wrong, winning his first grand prix for Mercedes.
      He took an unlikely pole and worked his car while preserving tyre life, to give his team flexibility to make their pitstops.
      GERMAN GP, 2018

      Hamilton celebrates with his team after winning in GermanyCredit: AFP or licensors

      Hamilton incredibly came from 14th spot to winCredit: AFP or licensors
      An unthinkable victory. The day before, in qualifying, his car suffered hydraulic failure.

      He started 14th, well behind Vettel’s Ferrari on pole. But as the rain fell, the German crashed out.
      Greater drama followed when the Brit made a last-minute decision to cancel a pitstop, while Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen stopped for tyres.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      MONACO GP, 2019

      Hamilton sprays the bubbly in Monaco last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hamilton paid tribute to the late F1 legend Niki Lauda Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hamilton choked back tears as he honoured the memory of F1 legend Niki Lauda, who had died six days earlier.
      He took pole but a gamble to use medium tyres left him a sitting duck for Max Verstappen. The Dutchman raced him hard but Hamilton defended like his life depended on it.
      PORTUGUESE GP, 2020

      Hamilton eclipsed Michael Schumacher’s 91-win record in PortugalCredit: Splash News

      Hamilton made his way to the front and held off team-mate Valtteri Bottas Credit: Splash News
      The victory that moved him clear of Michael Schumacher’s 91-win record was a typical Hamilton performance.
      He kept his cool after a slow start to work his way back to the front. Team-mate Bottas could not catch him, as Hamilton crossed the line an incredible 25.5sec ahead of the Finn.

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      Lewis Hamilton has found his voice this year and stood up for what he believes… he’s the best UK sportsman ever

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      THERE was a moment this season that proved Lewis Hamilton is now bigger than Formula One itself.
      It was not his record-breaking 92nd win or this, his seventh world crown.

      This season Lewis Hamilton hasn’t been afraid to voice his opinionCredit: Getty – Pool

      In fact, it was back in March in Melbourne at a press conference.Drivers before him said the FIA were right to press ahead with the race, despite the coronavirus pandemic looming large.
      Not Hamilton. When asked why the race was on, he replied cryptically, “Cash is king”.
      And he added: “I am really very, very surprised that we are here.
      “It is shocking that we are all sitting in this room.”

      He was right and, as we now know, the race was cancelled following a positive test in the McLaren team.
      Hamilton called it. He stood up and gave his opinion when others had been too afraid to talk negatively against F1.
      He’d previously spoken about Donald Trump, environmental causes and racism. And he continues to do so.
      Whether you agree with his stances on racism, the environment, veganism or politics, it doesn’t matter.

      Hamilton celebrates becoming world champion for a record-equalling seventh timeCredit: Splash News
      What matters is he is not afraid to give his opinion.
      Over the past few years, he has found his voice and is using his platform as a seven-time F1 champion to speak out and educate those who follow him.
      When was the last time a sports star at the very top of their game — and with so much to lose — was confident enough to speak out on a subject without worrying about upsetting a sponsor?
      Over the years I have covered his races, I’ve seen the sulks and reported on them. I’ve also got to witness some sensational performances on track.
      But this season, it is his off-track work that has made me appreciate Hamilton as the UK’s best sportsman of all-time.
      People disagree. I know this because they tell me all the time and Hamilton now knows he will never enjoy the universal support of us Brits.

      Lewis Hamilton can lay claim to being the UK’s greatest ever sportsmanCredit: AFP

      The reasons? Maybe the accent, maybe the tax debate — for the record he does pay UK tax and is in the country’s top 5,000 payers — or maybe because people feel they cannot identify with an F1 driver.
      But like him or not, you have to appreciate the fact that he is willing to say exactly what he thinks.
      Yes, he’s damn good at what he does, but he also stands up for what he believes in. And that goes beyond sport. More