Reuters
Mexico City, Oct 29: Lewis Hamilton will be in it to win it this weekend as Mexico makes its return to the Formula One (F1) calendar after a 23-year absence.
With his third World Championship secured in Texas last weekend, along with his 10th victory of the season, the Mercedes driver stated he intends to continue flat out for as long as he can.
“I’m here to have some fun this weekend,” the Briton said after his arrival here Wednesday. “I’ve been having fun all year and it’s going to be a little more of a relaxed weekend but this is the first Mexican Grand Prix for 23 years so I want to win it. A driver always wants to put their stamp on the first race in that territory so that’s my goal.”
Hamilton had a taste of fun that he wanted when he attended an event organised by team sponsor Puma and stepped into the ring against masked pro wrestlers before being presented with an ornamental skull. He indulged in some fun and frolic and even ‘slammed’ one of the wrestlers.
Mexico is celebrating its annual ‘Dia de Muertos’ (Day of the Dead) holiday this weekend, and decorative skeletons and skulls abound. The skull may have appeared inauspicious for a man who races at breakneck speed, but Hamilton, nicknamed ‘Slamilton’ at the arena saw the positive side of it.
“I think it’s beautiful what they did. There’s a lot of work that went into that – it’s not a real skull, just a model but a lot of work went into creating that,” Hamilton said. “I do a lot of work on the track also to create success. In all the things I do, I’m conscious of how short life can be.”
The World Champion also stated that because of the unpredictability of life, he wants to live it to the hilt.
“I’ve had friends and family members pass away and all they did was work and work, and didn’t have the balance that I have today. My auntie would tell me ‘I worked my whole life and didn’t get to do the things I wanted to do’,” Hamilton stated.
“So I do the things I want to do. Work hard, play hard… there’s not a second I don’t get in the car and not be aware of the dangers that do surround us. As long as you respect that, you’re good,” Hamilton added.
