- 12 Apr 11, 07:56#250572
Hamilton inspired by racing legend
Lewis Hamilton will take inspiration from the late Jim Clark as he bids to reinvigorate his season in China this weekend.
Clark is rightly remembered as a Formula One legend, a double world champion with a phenomenal record of 25 wins and 33 pole positions in just 72 grands prix.
Clark is also recognised as a one-marque man as all of his 72 races were with Lotus prior to his death at the age of just 32 in an F2 race at Hockenheim in 1968.
Hamilton, who has so far spent all of his career with McLaren since his debut in 2007, has now competed in 73 grands prix with the team that has nurtured him since the age of 13.
Now 26, there is plenty of time yet for Hamilton to one day fly the nest, but for now he has surpassed Clark's record for most races for one team only in an F1 career.
"I've been told by someone on the team that of all the drivers in Formula One to have only driven for one team, I'm now the driver who's raced in the most grands prix," said Hamilton.
"I'm told Jim Clark drove 72 races for Lotus, and Malaysia was my 73rd with McLaren. It makes me feel very humble.
"I never saw Jim Clark race, but I know he'll always be remembered as one of the greats, and as a loyal Lotus driver.
"Loyalty's extremely important, and I'm proud to be mentioned in the same breath as him.
"It only gives me even more determination to bounce back stronger than ever."
Hamilton's desire to do so stems from a poor performance in Sepang on Sunday when he endured a woeful race, blaming strategy, tyres and poor pit stops for his lowly finish.
After being given a retrospective drive-through penalty for weaving in attempting to block Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, Hamilton had 20 seconds added to his time, dropping him from seventh to eighth.
With his criticisms now behind him, Hamilton is eager to focus on this weekend's race in Shanghai which cannot come quick enough in order to get Malaysia out of his system.
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I thought it was DC or Mika would've driven for much longer? DC was with McLaren from 1997 till end of 2004 if not mistaken?
Lewis Hamilton will take inspiration from the late Jim Clark as he bids to reinvigorate his season in China this weekend.
Clark is rightly remembered as a Formula One legend, a double world champion with a phenomenal record of 25 wins and 33 pole positions in just 72 grands prix.
Clark is also recognised as a one-marque man as all of his 72 races were with Lotus prior to his death at the age of just 32 in an F2 race at Hockenheim in 1968.
Hamilton, who has so far spent all of his career with McLaren since his debut in 2007, has now competed in 73 grands prix with the team that has nurtured him since the age of 13.
Now 26, there is plenty of time yet for Hamilton to one day fly the nest, but for now he has surpassed Clark's record for most races for one team only in an F1 career.
"I've been told by someone on the team that of all the drivers in Formula One to have only driven for one team, I'm now the driver who's raced in the most grands prix," said Hamilton.
"I'm told Jim Clark drove 72 races for Lotus, and Malaysia was my 73rd with McLaren. It makes me feel very humble.
"I never saw Jim Clark race, but I know he'll always be remembered as one of the greats, and as a loyal Lotus driver.
"Loyalty's extremely important, and I'm proud to be mentioned in the same breath as him.
"It only gives me even more determination to bounce back stronger than ever."
Hamilton's desire to do so stems from a poor performance in Sepang on Sunday when he endured a woeful race, blaming strategy, tyres and poor pit stops for his lowly finish.
After being given a retrospective drive-through penalty for weaving in attempting to block Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, Hamilton had 20 seconds added to his time, dropping him from seventh to eighth.
With his criticisms now behind him, Hamilton is eager to focus on this weekend's race in Shanghai which cannot come quick enough in order to get Malaysia out of his system.
_____________________________________________________
I thought it was DC or Mika would've driven for much longer? DC was with McLaren from 1997 till end of 2004 if not mistaken?
Breaking News:Lewis Hamilton has officially overtaken The Fonz in race wins. With 88 races less. Lol(Without a specially built blown diffuser, illegal front wing, preferential treatment)
