Former Italian Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi, is backing Lewis Hamilton to return to form following a difficult season in which the McLaren driver finished fifth.
Zanardi, whose best result came for Team Lotus in 1993 when he finished sixth at the Brazilian GP, believes Hamilton is one of the most mature people he’s ever met, and 2011 simply proved he is human.
“I agree with what you said [about Lewis having a frustrating year],” he told the Telegraph. “The only thing I can add is that 99 per cent of the people that I know, and this is without considering the talent question because Lewis Hamilton is the most talented driver I have ever seen or ever met, in my view, but even from a maturity point of view 99 per cent of the people I’ve met in my life are not even close to Lewis Hamilton,” said Zanardi.
“What is happening to him this year simply means that he’s human. Even Lewis Hamilton is vulnerable.”
The 45-year-old believes Hamilton has learned his lesson from the past season and this will only make him better, despite the pressure he is under.
“Lewis Hamilton is a very wise guy,” he added. “I had the privilege of interviewing him once for an Italian magazine and I really discovered a guy who is very, very mature for his age. So this tells me that basically he put one foot out of step but I’m sure next year he will have learned his lesson. In fact, I’m sure he has already learned his lesson.
“He will be able to perform again in the way in which he is capable, in spite of the huge pressure he gets being in England, being Lewis Hamilton.”
