Lewis Hamilton reveals Formula 1 hopes for ‘gamechanger’ ahead of hunt for eighth historic tournament

Lewis Hamilton talks to Sky Sports F1 about his legacy and much more ahead of F1 2021; Watch a full interview in our Bahrain GP cover from 2.30pm Sunday; Also, assess the specific challenges ahead for Hamilton – including a possible title battle with Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton: Formula 1 world champion, and Formula 1 “gamechanger”.

In an exclusive interview with Sky F1 Sports, Hamilton has revealed his hopes for his legacy as the Englishman prepares to start searching for an eighth unprecedented world champion at a Bahraini GP that opens this weekend.

And Hamilton, who has been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement as well as a powerful and progressive F1 voice for increasing diversity, would not like to be remembered for his remarkable achievements on the t -slighe.

“Gamechanger”, Hamilton tells Rachel Brookes at Sky F1 when asked how he hopes the history books remember him. “Or a voice for equality. Something like that.”

Extending his offline efforts in 2020, the seven-time champion says: “I would argue that last year was the most powerful [decision I’ve made in F1]. “

The full interview with Hamilton, who will also talk about his chivalry, his twin goals for 2021, anti-F1 racism efforts so far and much more, will be heard during our Bahraini GP race day coverage on Sunday from 2.30pm, as a new venture is expected to take place in the desert.

And there are plenty of talking points as Hamilton aims for an historic eighth crown.

Still excited? Hamilton runs ‘last dream’

Over recent seasons, two numbers have stood out as targets for Hamilton. Ninety-one, and seven.

But Hamilton has now overtaken Michael Schumacher ‘s winning record – sitting well at 95 – and is tantamount to drawing the famous German title.

Statistically, that makes Hamilton the most successful driver in F1 history.

Naturally, it also leaves the question of what else is to be achieved.

Hamilton, now 36, writing his first short-term F1 contract – only extending for the 2021 season with Mercedes – could be taken as a sign that he is considering eventually. As would, of course, be his rationale for that one-year contract.

“First, I’m kind of in a fortunate situation where I’ve achieved most of the stuff I wanted to achieve to this point,” Hamilton said at the launch of the Mercedes car.

Hamilton, however, will also be keenly aware that he can further strengthen his legacy by becoming the first driver to ever reach eighth titles. And that would raise the bar to an alarming level.

“It’s my last dream,” Hamilton admitted of his hunt for eight.

With his contract coming to an end again at the end of the year, there is no doubt that there will be plenty of talk about Hamilton ‘s future over the year – although he has proved so often that he influenced by external noise.

And Nico Rosberg of Sky F1, Hamilton’s team player and world champion in 2016, asked: “I don’t think it will affect his performance this year.

“It’s not going to hurt to achieve on the path to becoming the greatest statistician ever, and beat Michael Schumacher for that eighth title. Lewis knows focus on. “

Will F1 finally get the Hamilton vs Verstappen title battle?

There’s another unique challenge that could come on Hamilton’s path in 2021: A title fight with the greatest man would go as heir to the Mercedes driver’s throne once he calls it all day.

Max Verstappen, along with Hamilton, has been a top F1 driver for the past few years but despite commendable efforts, so far they have been unable to launch a season-long battle for the tree due to a Mercedes win over Red Bull.

But that could all change in 2021.

Verstappen, 23, built momentum near the end of 2020 and now it looks like Red Bull have designed their best car since their last title eight years ago, with the RB16B building the foundation at test a very impressive pre-season.

In addition to Red Bull’s early hopes, Mercedes, who has started running a historic tournament since 2014, has made a surprisingly sub-par start to 2021 in Bahrain.

Is Red Bull now competing for a title? Mercedes certainly thinks so – although many have submitted as an option for the season opener at the same Sakhir round this weekend.

“After seeing them win the last race [in 2020], you can only assume that they are going to be right there, if not at the front, of the first race [of 2021], “said Hamilton.

“This is going to be a long, long battle with them throughout the year.”

Sebastian Vettel is the only non-Mercedes driver to really challenge Hamilton for the 2014 title.

But Hamilton will know that if Verstappen has the tools, he will be a dangerous new competitor.

The battle will begin.