Lewis Hamilton’s former trainer Antti Vierula has opened up on working with the seven-time world champion, discussing the Brit’s efforts behind the scenes.
Vierula joined Hamilton’s inner circle in 2011, working with the driver at McLaren until the end of the 2012 season.
Vierula now works for Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s former teammate, supporting the Finnish driver at Alfa Romeo.
Four years after Vierula’s departure, Hamilton would join forces with Angela Cullen, a pairing that would power the driver to four of his world titles.
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During those years, Hamilton’s performance on track helped power McLaren to P2 and P3 in the Constructors’ title race, chasing after a dominant Red Bull team lead by Sebastian Vettel.
Vierula claimed that the Brit was key to getting “the best out of everyone” at the team, thanks to his dedicated work ethic behind the scenes.
“I liked working with Lewis, it was a joy, he’s a passionate guy on the track,” Vierula told Grosvenor Sport.
“I enjoyed working with him. He was brilliant in getting everything out of the car and engineers, he pushes people to get the best out of everyone.
“He would work hard getting answers from engineers, giving his opinion about what he thinks is right. He had a brilliant will to improve.”
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Vierula’s praise follows similar positivity from Cullen, who took to Instagram recently to reaffirm her support for the Brit despite their split.
“Lewis Hamilton you GOAT,” Cullen posted showing the pair are still close despite their separation.
Hamilton is in a tough period of his career, as Mercedes struggles to adapt to the new era of regulations, with the Brit sat in P4 of the Drivers’ standings on less than half the points of title-leader Max Verstappen.