F1: Hamilton out to enjoy life in fast lane

May 11 2007 Western Mail

LEWIS HAMILTON is willing to take celebrity in his stride - even if it means the paparazzi are camped outside his house.

Hamilton’s star has not stopped rising since the day he was confirmed as a McLaren driver late last year.

A record-breaking three podium finishes in his first three grands prix have added to the air of interest and intrigue around the 22-year-old.

Yet it was not until he returned home for the first time in almost two months recently that he realised just what an impact he had made in the rarefied atmosphere of Formula One.

Ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, Hamilton is able to reflect with a smile at how his world has altered over the past few months.

“It was strange going back and having people describe me as a celebrity,” said the youngster from Tewin in Hertfordshire. “When I got home there were photographers outside my house and that has been the weirdest thing.

“They are there from eight in the morning until six at night just sitting in their cars. It’s really weird.

“There is a small private road alongside my parents’ house and we can see them from up in the window looking over the fence – seven or eight cars just parked there.

“But everywhere I go now, whether it’s the petrol station or the sweet shop or the supermarket, people notice me, recognise me, and it’s not a problem.

“You can see they’re reluctant to approach me and instead you see them whisper to their friends.

“It’s really quite strange, and you have to pinch yourself to make sure it’s real.”

Despite staring into the full glare of the spotlight, Hamilton is so focused on his job and intent on becoming a success that he admits much of the world passes him by – including the bevy of beautiful grid girls who generally turn the heads of most men.

“All the attention hasn’t put me off track,” insisted Hamilton. “Some drivers have a certain way of dealing with it, and for me, even something like this (media interviews) is in the background.

“Even as I’m speaking to you right now, I’m focused on the race on Sunday.

“To be honest, I’m so busy over a weekend I don’t even notice the grid girls – I swear I’ve not! That’s quite unusual because I’ve always noticed them before.

“But this season when I’ve pulled on to the grid and one of the ladies has been standing in front of me, I’ve not noticed her.

“That’s quite disappointing actually, but I am here to do a job and that’s my focus.”

As co-leader of the title race alongside team-mate Fernando Alonso and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, Hamilton has a shot at becoming world champion.

That really would see him make history, becoming the first driver to win the championship in his debut season.

“As I’ve said from the beginning, I’m not here to finish second,” said Hamilton. “I’m obviously here to do the best I can, but I am also realistic because this is my first season and I know there are going to be ups and downs, races that don’t go as well. Of course, I’m working extremely hard to make sure everything does go well, but something will catch you out.”