Usain Bolt waxed lyrical about "focused and driven" Lewis Hamilton as he hailed the Formula 1 star for his work both on and off the race track.
Legendary sprinting star Bolt is the first contributor to a new 'Icons' series launched by the official F1 website. It is part of the new F1 Unlocked platform, launched on Monday, which chiefs promise will "bring fans closer to the drama and excitement" of the sport.
In one of the first pieces of content uploaded to the new platform, eight-time Olympic champion Bolt explained his reverence for Hamilton. He compared the Mercedes racer to some of the cricketing legends he grew up watching, such as West Indies greats like Brian Lara and Viv Richards, as well as Pakistan bowler Waqar Younis.
"When it comes to Lewis, he has the hunger and drive of those cricketers I looked up to." wrote the Jamaican. "I've met him at a few races now, and he's always so focused and driven. I get it. Those are the same qualities you need to make it in any top sport.
"You always watch F1 drivers – whether it's Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso – you always watch them on social media, training so hard. To be able to maintain that level of concentration at such high speeds for so long requires a fit body and mind. So, there's no doubting they're athletes.
"The biggest memory I have of hanging out with Lewis is that hot lap he took me on at Austin a few years ago. It was crazy – he turned off the traction control in the middle of the lap and I pleaded with him not to! That green Mercedes was sliding around and we were just laughing the whole time. What an experience. That was back in 2017. Now he's got seven titles and more than 100 wins."
Just as important, Bolt believes, is the work Hamilton has done off the track as well. He added: "Lewis is a winner off the track too. In our position, we are role models and have a responsibility to influence people in a positive way. No matter where you come from, or whatever situation you were born into, everybody deserves a chance to better themselves and should be supported to succeed.
"I know Lewis is very active in advocacy and charity work and I respect him for what he is doing. And it's also inspiring to see Lewis paving the way for black drivers in Formula 1. Hopefully there will be greater representation in motorsport in the years to come as a result of his success.
"I hope he can go on to win many more races and another few world titles. In addition, his impact off the track and work to inspire others will hopefully help to open doors and shape the next generation. Whether it's 100 metres or 100 kilometres, you've got to believe in yourself. Anything is possible. I think Lewis embodies that mentality perfectly."
