DAD'S MY BOY ... Anthony Hamilton with son Lewis
STEVEN HOWARD - Chief sports writer
A BROAD smile lit up Anthony Hamilton's face as he looked at a picture of his son celebrating his astonishing win in the German Grand Prix.
"Do you know what that is?" he asked. "That is a picture of sheer, unbridled joy.
"A picture of a young man saying 'I love what I do'. A picture of a young man who thinks he has the best job in the world.
"It is also a picture, I believe, of the greatest driver in the world.
"OK, I know I may be a bit biased. So let's just say the greatest all-round driver. With Lewis, it's not just about racing. It's about passion, application, training, teamwork, belief, what you do in your life, what's most important to you.
"Others want to be there for the thrills, the money, the girls, the private jets... "
The suckers!
After a parting of the ways at the start of last season when Hamilton Jnr required some time free of paternal influence, father and son are now back in harmony.
As Anthony admitted: "Lewis needed some space, everyone does."
This year has not been the easiest of seasons for the younger Hamilton.
Yet if you believe some of the stories, he has suddenly turned into the John McEnroe of F1.
True, there have been rows with officials and fellow drivers.
And, yes, there has been huge frustration at the dominance of Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull.
His dad admitted: "There have been some unflattering things written about Lewis this season. But nothing will destroy his spirit or his will to be the best.
"It doesn't matter what is said about any individual, it's what that individual feels about himself that counts. And Lewis has this huge self belief. On Sunday he was like a kid in a sweet shop. That's understandable, that's human.
"He was having the ride of his life, getting every ounce out of the car he could. In fact, he got more out of it than any other driver in the world would have been able to.
"Do you know why that was such a great race and why Lewis is the greatest driver in the world? Two weeks ago, Fernando won at Silverstone and the Ferrari looked fantastic.
"Going into Germany, it was the car to beat. Then there was Sebastian and Red Bull, the best car for the last 18 months. No one expected McLaren to beat the runaway leader in his own backyard.
"Then, all of a sudden, Lewis drives the pants off them. Unbelievable."
After his win at the Nurburgring, Hamilton Jnr said: "My dad always told me when I was growing up to do my talking on the track. There have been times this season when I haven't. Today I did."
His dad smiled and said: "Good boy, good quote. There are those who talk a good race and those who race a good race. And Lewis is a race driver. That is what he does best, without having to think too much about it. He's a natural.
"Yes, there have been times this season when he's looked a bit down.
"But that's life. Not every day is great. We all get up and don't do the right thing because we're not thinking straight. The only difference between us and Lewis is everything he does is magnified a million times.
"But he doesn't beat himself up. When he's not smiling, it's not because of something someone else has done. It's because he knows he could have done it better himself.
"How many of us can kick our own tails? Not many. But Lewis can do it himself. He hates making mistakes that much."
After his miraculous qualifying session at the Nurburgring, Martin Brundle said Hamilton was one of the very few drivers who could get half a second out of nowhere.
His dad said: "That is because his life and passion is racing. That is why he can race a car when it is good, bad or indifferent. He says himself that his car in 2009 was a stinker and yet he still won races in it.
"If you are a racing fan then Lewis is the kind of guy who is going to have you on the edge of your seat.
"Yes, Sebastian is a great driver and in a Red Bull he will win from the front. But that's not as exciting, is it?
"And, yes, I know he leads the championship by 77 points and most people reckon it's over. But it's never too late. Greatest comeback since Lazarus? We've just had the greatest comeback since Silverstone!
"And this weekend it's Hungary, where Lewis has already won twice. You have to believe. The moment you even start to think it's gone, it has.
"Fernando went close last year, he never gave up, he didn't throw in the towel. Likewise, Lewis is never going to settle for second place."
As his dad knows.
He said: "We played golf yesterday in Portugal. We're, er, competitive.
"He won but there was no side stake. I never ever bet with Lewis because he'll always take your money.
"Funnily enough, I DID beat him at poker the other night. But only by accident. He somehow misread some cards."
Hopefully, his eyesight will have returned to normal this weekend.
And he produces another ace from his sleeve to delay Vettel's coronation further.
Credit: The Sun (www.thesun.co.uk)
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