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Hamilton: "I still feel like the kid from Stevenage"

10:04, 07 Oct 2018

byMatt

As Lewis Hamilton approaches his fifth World Championship title, he claims he still feels like "the kid from Stevenage" as he continues to look up at his idols. The Brit won the Japanese Grand Prix to give him one hand on the 2018 Championship trophy.

The Mercedes driver was told by Sky Sports presenter Simon Lazenby that he is among one of the greats of the sport. Hamilton claimed he disagreed as he still feels as if he is some distance from the likes of Senna.

"It doesn't feel real when you think of the days when Ayrton was racing here. I've not walked this track for 10 years and I just wanted to stop and take a moment and think about the drivers who came through this corner," Hamilton said.

"I still feel like the big kid from Stevenage. I'm in the big league, but I still feel like a way off."

When Hamilton was growing up, he aspired to be like the World Champions of the 80's and 90's. But now, the 33-year-old has the future of British motorsport looking up to him. He attempted to send some advice.

"I'd just say to kids to get the education. There's a lot of parents taking them out of school, but the key is to stay at school. Study about the car, I'm still doing it but you'll know what to do once you're here," Hamilton added.