It’s somehow fitting that, as Lewis Hamilton embarks upon what will be a career-defining season for him, among his opponents on the grid will be one driver – Arvid Lindblad – who was yet to be born when Lewis made his grand prix debut in Melbourne in 2007. Whether you count yourself among the ‘Hamfosi’ or not, it would be churlish to deny the burning competitiveness which has underpinned Hamilton’s longevity – his single-minded determination to be the ultimate arbiter of his career and legacy.
That latter word has a fascinating etymology, deriving from the Latin verb legare – ‘to delegate’ – and its associated noun legatus, meaning an ambassador or envoy. These also rank among Hamilton’s body of achievements, for his activism and charitable work are what earned him his Knighthood; unlike proponents of stick-and-ball sports, racing drivers have to be more than just good at their chosen pursuit to earn this honour.
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