adminLewis Hamilton says he is inspired by boxer Muhammad Ali as he tries to overhaul Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in the Formula 1 title race.
Hamilton said he was drawing on Ali’s famous “rope-a-dope” victory over George Foreman in 1974 as he seeks to close the 29-point gap to the German.
“I think about Muhammad Ali,” Hamilton told BBC Sport. He sat on the rope and let [Foreman] have the upper hand until he decided it was the right time to turn it around.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s British Grand Prix, Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, added: “I’m hoping I can do a similar thing. He inspires me in that fight.”
Hamilton thinks it is important to beat Rosberg this weekend. The Englishman has finished second to his rival in two of the last three races and retired from the other.
“I am going to do everything to be out front,” said Hamilton, who has had two retirements this year.
In contrast, Rosberg has finished every race, winning three grands prix and finishing second five times.
“Winning your home grand prix is one of the greatest experiences you can have as a driver,” added Hamilton.
“I’m hopeful I don’t have any more bad luck with the non-finishes and it’s time to turn things around.”
Hamilton has not won at Silverstone since 2008, when he dominated in wet conditions to take one of the greatest victories of his career.
Meanwhile, Susie Wolff’s historic appearance at the British Grand Prix ended after one timed lap as her Williams team endured a difficult first practice session yesterday. Wolff is the first woman to take part in a grand prix weekend in 22 years but an engine problem forced the Briton to stop on lap two of her first run.
Minutes later, team-mate Felipe Massa lost control at Stowe corner, badly damaging his car in a 130mph crash.
Nico Rosberg was fastest, ahead of Mercedes team-mate Hamilton.
Development driver Wolff admitted she was disappointed but said she had learned things she could take into her next appearance, at the German Grand Prix in two weeks’ time.
“Really tough day but that’s F1 sometimes,” said the 31-year-old Scot, who was driving the car of Valtteri Bottas.
“We had an oil-pressure problem, which cut the engine off. The guys are looking at it and hopefully they can get it fixed.”
She thanked the support she had received, adding: “Going out on the track was just the best feeling. When you put your helmet on, that’s the best.
“I had a good feeling out there in the car. It turned out to be a very short run, but I have to keep my head up. — BBC Sport
Online Reporter