Lewis Hamilton has revealed that his “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) sporting legend outside of the racing realm is none other than the former NBA superstar, Michael Jordan.
Mercedes, Hamilton’s team, recently released a video on their social media platform where several team members were asked to name their sporting idols outside of Formula 1.
Responses ranged from Valentino Rossi to Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, and Eliud Kipchoge. Some even injected humour, mentioning singers Harry Styles and Shania Twain as their idols.
However, Hamilton’s response was straightforward and reverential, as he unequivocally declared Michael Jordan as his ultimate sporting inspiration.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Michael Jordan is universally acknowledged as the greatest basketball player in history, celebrated for his unrivalled list of achievements, distinctive playing style, and competitive spirit.
His six NBA championships and two Olympic gold medals stand as enduring monuments to his sporting greatness.
In Hamilton’s eyes, Jordan’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to rise to the occasion mirror his own approach on the racetrack.
The Formula 1 legend consistently elevates his performance during challenging moments and actively seeks extra motivation to outshine his rivals.
On the other hand, George Russell, Hamilton’s fellow Mercedes driver, shared his admiration for former tennis sensation Roger Federer.
Federer, with a staggering 103 singles titles on the ATP Tour, including 20 major men’s singles titles, is undeniably one of the most accomplished and elegant tennis players in history.
His prowess and grace both on and off the court have solidified his status as a global sporting icon.
The 2023 Formula 1 season has presented challenges for the Mercedes team, with the abandonment of their ‘zero sidepod’ concept following the Monaco Grand Prix.
Throughout the year, the team has grappled with finding a competitive pace in many races. The high-downforce nature of their car has posed difficulties on tracks like the Red Bull Ring and Spa-Francorchamps.
Lewis Hamilton, with four podium finishes under his belt this season, currently occupies the third position in the championship standings, trailing just six points behind Fernando Alonso.
Hamilton’s primary objective is to surpass the Spanish driver and climb to the top of the rankings.
In contrast, George Russell has faced a tougher first half of the season, securing only one podium finish and currently occupying the seventh position in the standings.
However, the 25-year-old British driver remains within striking distance of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari camp, trailing them by eight and two points, respectively.
READ: Sergio Perez admits Red Bull firing him is on the table
Russell’s primary aspiration is to secure fifth place in the championship standings.
The latter part of the season is anticipated to favour the Mercedes W14, and the team maintains optimism regarding their objectives.
However, teams such as Aston Martin, McLaren, and Ferrari should not be underestimated, as they could potentially spring surprises during the final stretch of the season.