Hamilton takes brief rest to let history and praise sink in

By Claas Hennig Apr 16, 2007, 11:17 GMT

British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Mercedes Team celebrates on the podium after the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit in Manama, Bahrain, 15 April 2007. EPA/JENS BÜTTNER

Sakhir, Bahrain - Lewis Hamilton takes a brief rest after making Formula One history at the Bahrain Grand Prix - giving him time to make all the hype and praise sink in.

The 22-year-old Briton has been declared 'godsent for Formula One' (The Guardian), part of a 'new Formula One' (La Repubblica), and likely 'the next superstar of F1' who is 'selling the Business' (Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone).

If that wasn't enough, he has been compared with the greatest athletes, The Guardian naming him 'the hottest new talent in global sport and about to join the super league of sports earners, a small group including David Beckham and Tiger Woods.'

Hamilton was flattered by the comparison but at the same time confident.

'I'm not Tiger Woods, I'm Lewis Hamilton. But I think he's a sensational athlete and it's an honour to be compared to someone like that. I hope I can do the same in Formula One,' he said.

So far Hamilton is making a huge impact.

On Sunday, he became the first Formula One driver to got on the podium in each of his first three career races when he placed second behind Brazil's Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, who won from the pole.

Hamilton is the first driver in 51 years to lead the championship without a race win, sharing the top spot with team-mate world champion Fernando Alonso and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in what promises a dramatic season duel between the two teams.

Experts ranging from Jackie Stewart to Damon Hill tip him to win a race soon, and the world title as well.

'To have another second in only my third race I could not ask for more. I think it is a fantastic achievement. I am extremely proud. We have worked extremely hard to get where we are today, me and my family, but also my team in terms of how competitive we are.'

There is only one more step from here and we will keep on pushing for Barcelona,' he said, confidently looking ahead at the next race on May 13.

Hamilton has shown in the three races that he is a mature driver, but there are several factors in his favour.

He arrived in the sport after the retirement of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and rule changes appear to make the sport more evenly balanced.

In marketing terms, it also works in his favour that he is the first black driver in the sport, just like Woods in gold which makes the comparison natural.

'He's got something different - he's the first black F1 driver - which opens up a whole new market for him. It's beautiful timing for Lewis Hamilton and Formula One. The sport has just lost Schumacher, its most recognisable face, and people are looking for the next star,' The Guardian quoted Dominic Curran from sports consultancy Karen Earl Sponsorship as saying.

Ecclestone insists that for him colour doesn't matter.

'I wish people wouldn't keep on talking about him being coloured and all that because he doesn't need to have the praise because he happens to be coloured. He is just bloody good. He is also young, good looking and talks to people. That's important,' Ecclestone said.

'The point is he is selling the business - 100 per cent.'

Hamilton is also selling himself well with his success, and his earnings are set to skyrocket from a current rookie salary of just under 1 million dollars (740,000 euros).

But that was not on his mind after Sunday's race.

'I am looking forward to going home, I have not been home for nine weeks,' he said, looking forward to England after a brief stint to Shanghai.