Hamilton: Confident for Pérez, privileged to have been alongside Schumacher

After the announcement of his departure from Mercedes at the end of the season, Lewis Hamilton couldn’t escape the curiosity of journalists present at the traditional FIA press conference on Thursday, where he, however, dodged all questions about the reasons for his transfer: “I’m not really here to talk about that this weekend. I’m here to try to win the world championship. So we have six races left with a fantastic team with whom I’ve had a tremendous and incredible journey, and I’m working to finish on a high note.”

The Briton also indicates that he feels very, very happy, excited, and grateful to now be able to focus on the upcoming races: I know there is a lot of work waiting for me. I know I’m leaving a very, very good car for this guy [Pérez, who is next to him]. And Hamilton adds, addressing the Mexican: Believe me, it will also be a good car next year, I know it. I know exactly what it is with your car for next year.

However, when asked if he would offer any advice to his successor, the Stevenage native is confident: « He’ll be fine! »

But Lewis Hamilton, who climbed the ranks leading to Formula One at the time when Michael Schumacher was dominating the discipline, also indicated that he felt privileged to have faced the seven-time world champion and future retiree, whom he will replace starting in 2013: “I don’t see myself as Michael’s replacement. I don’t think anyone can replace him, he’s a legend of the sport, he’s already accomplished so much. I feel privileged to have been alongside him in Formula One. I watched him win all his titles from my living room, so, being around him in 2006 [during the year of his GP2 Series title, editor’s note] and then, when he came back, being able to race against him was a real privilege, so I hope that one day I can achieve some of the things he has accomplished.”