F1 MOST TRENDING: Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to ‘legend’ Michael Schumacher with touching message...Read more

Lewis Hamilton Honors Michael Schumacher with Heartfelt Tribute: “A Legend and Role Model”

Lewis Hamilton has paid a heartfelt tribute to Michael Schumacher, describing the seven-time world champion as both a “legend” and a “role model” in a touching message. Hamilton, who has equaled Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 titles, expressed his admiration for the German driver in the foreword of a newly released book titled World Championship Cars – Michael Schumacher, which marks the 30th anniversary of Schumacher’s first F1 world title in 1994.

In the foreword, Hamilton reflects on the immense influence Schumacher had on the sport and the younger generation of drivers. He described Schumacher’s speed, determination, and relentless work ethic as qualities that made him a standout figure in Formula 1. “Michael is among the legends in our sport,” Hamilton wrote. “When you grow up with a passion for motorsport, you always look up at specific people, and without a doubt, Michael was a role model for young drivers.”

Hamilton, who has long acknowledged Schumacher’s towering influence on his own career, praised Schumacher not only for his on-track accomplishments but also for his enduring legacy as a person. Schumacher’s success in Formula 1 includes seven world titles—two with Benetton in the mid-1990s and five consecutive championships with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004. Hamilton pointed out that these achievements were only part of Schumacher’s story, emphasizing the personal qualities that defined him off the track.

The British driver highlighted the family Schumacher built with his wife, Corinna, and the values they represented. “When it comes to Michael’s legacy, however, I focus on him as a person rather than a competitor,” Hamilton continued. “It’s not about titles or trophies, but about the family that he and Corinna created together. Their greatness, their humility, and their sincerity say much more about Michael’s values than I ever could.”

Hamilton’s tribute comes at a significant time as Formula 1 fans reflect on Schumacher’s historic career and his continued influence on the sport. Schumacher, who suffered a severe skiing accident in 2013, has remained out of the public eye since then, with his family maintaining his privacy. Despite this, his legacy continues to loom large in F1, with current drivers—including Hamilton—often acknowledging the German’s contributions to the sport.

Hamilton’s own journey has seen him match Schumacher’s remarkable feat of seven world championships, with his record-tying title clinched at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix. As Hamilton continues to race for Mercedes, he is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport, alongside Schumacher.

In his tribute, Hamilton also hinted at Schumacher’s close ties to Ferrari, where the German driver achieved five of his seven titles. Schumacher’s dominance with Ferrari remains a significant part of his legacy, as the Scuderia has only won one championship since his departure—when Kimi Raikkonen claimed the title in 2007. Felipe Massa came agonizingly close to defeating Hamilton in 2008, while Fernando Alonso narrowly missed out in 2010 and 2012. More recently, Sebastian Vettel attempted to bring Ferrari back to championship-winning form but was unable to overcome Hamilton’s dominance in 2017 and 2018.

Hamilton now faces his own challenge to add to his legacy, with speculation growing about his potential move to Ferrari in 2025. Should he make the switch, Hamilton would have the chance to emulate Schumacher’s success with the iconic Italian team, further intertwining his career with that of the German legend.

Schumacher’s impact on Formula 1 remains undeniable, and Hamilton’s tribute reinforces the deep respect between two of the sport’s greatest champions. As Hamilton wrote, “His speed, his work morals, his determination and consistency—the length of his career and his top performance can only be admired.”