Thousands stood hours in a queue in a downpour last Sunday for a chance to meet, greet and get an autograph from new Formula One racing sensation Lewis Hamilton here at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
No actual racing occurs at the festival, a good-time weekend of racing nostalgia from past and present, but Hamilton was on hand to drive his McLaren-Mercedes Formula One racecar 1.1 miles up the hill course — for demonstration purposes only. Prior to his crowd-pleasing run, when introduced by the event’s host Lord March from the balcony of the lord’s manor house here, Hamilton was greeted like a rock star. Nevertheless, he dove into the crowd and signed autographs for everyone he was able to get to.
No actual racing occurs at the festival, a good-time weekend of racing nostalgia from past and present, but Hamilton was on hand to drive his McLaren-Mercedes Formula One racecar 1.1 miles up the hill course — for demonstration purposes only. Prior to his crowd-pleasing run, when introduced by the event’s host Lord March from the balcony of the lord’s manor house here, Hamilton was greeted like a rock star. Nevertheless, he dove into the crowd and signed autographs for everyone he was able to get to.
Hamilton, fresh off his victories at the Canadian and United States grands prix, had not expected such a reception. “It’s touching really,” he said. “I had not been home since those victories, and had no idea of the emotional response that would be waiting for me.” Hamilton, the handsome 22-year-old from Hertfordshire, England, is bidding to become the first rookie to win a Formula One world championship.
Hamilton so far has received high marks from the motoring press and others covering his skyrocketing career, for his courtesy, aplomb and thoughtfulness — unlike the stereotypical view of Formula One drivers as snobs, boobs or worse. He was asked why he took so much care with his fans Sunday, and he revealed that the tables had been turned on him here seven years ago.
“The drivers all brushed past me,” Hamilton recalled, “and I resolved that if I ever achieved my goal of being in F1, I would look the children, or whoever it was, straight in the eye, shake their hands and be proud to sign an autograph for them.”
He was as good as his word.
Hamilton so far has received high marks from the motoring press and others covering his skyrocketing career, for his courtesy, aplomb and thoughtfulness — unlike the stereotypical view of Formula One drivers as snobs, boobs or worse. He was asked why he took so much care with his fans Sunday, and he revealed that the tables had been turned on him here seven years ago.
“The drivers all brushed past me,” Hamilton recalled, “and I resolved that if I ever achieved my goal of being in F1, I would look the children, or whoever it was, straight in the eye, shake their hands and be proud to sign an autograph for them.”
He was as good as his word.
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