Hamilton Links Success With Risk

In a recent interview with Reuters, 2008 Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton did not mince words when equating racing success with taking risks. The 26-year old McLaren driver opined that the most successful drivers in the sport have always been those willing to take risks and push the limit. “I think just generally in motor racing there is a fine line between being very dangerous and putting other people’s lives at risk and then being just beneath the danger zone,” he said. ”And that’s kind of where you just try never to go over the line. But this is motor racing and we are racing wheel-to-wheel at 200 mph so it’s going to happen. There are crashes all the time and people are going to touch at some stage . . . I think being slightly more risky in some ways is what separates the faster drivers from maybe the not-so-fast drivers.”

Hamilton has been criticized recently for what some have called recklessness on the track – especially by the stewards. In 2011, Hamilton has been assessed four drive-through penalties and two reprimands due to his aggressive style. And the criticism doesn’t stop there. Even some of Hamilton’s competitors have voiced concern about Hamilton’s driving. “I have some comments as well from drivers that say I am too aggressive but again it’s just trying to find a fine balance. I’m not here to ruin anyone else’s races, I am just trying to beat them and that’s the best way to do your talking. If I have been too aggressive and I have come together with someone, in Monaco for example, I think okay. You just step back a little bit, but not completely change my approach because this is my life and this is how I do it.”