Fittipaldi praises "important ambassador" Hamilton
F1 News
Lewis Hamilton already has legendary status after winning a sixth World Championship but Emerson Fittipaldi doesn't necessarily believe he is the greatest but there is more to the Brit than that.
Hamilton wrapped up his fifth Formula 1 World Championship in six seasons at the United States Grand Prix, P2 in the race enough to seal the title. Since his first World Championship with Mercedes in 2014, no one has been able to rival Hamilton as he edges nearer to Michael Schumacher's record of seven titles.
Emerson Fittipaldi believes Hamilton is amongst the sport's greats but isn't sure if he is the greatest of all time. However, he insists his importance to the sport is more than his record.
“He is in the top league, don’t know if he is the best, but he is a very important ambassador of this sport,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Lewis is a character that can bring in more fans, even those not interested in F1 to this sport.
“An example? My daughter Vittoria is starting to follow F1 said ‘Dad I want to take a picture with Hamilton’.
“Lewis comes from a very simple family and has made himself thanks to his dedication.
“Einstein used to say ’20 percent is thanks of your talent, the rest is dedication and sacrifice’. For Hamliton it has been this way.”