Formula 1's head of motorsport and Lewis Hamilton's former boss Ross Brawn says he originally doubted the Britain's approach to the sport.
Hamilton joined Mercedes when Brawn was team principal and already had a title under his belt with McLaren, but at that time he led a much quieter life outside of F1. That changed in his final years with McLaren and during his switch to Mercedes, with Hamilton increasingly becoming involved with the 'Hollywood scene'.
Some, including Brawn, questioned whether such external distractions would have a negative impact on his performance, but with Hamilton securing a sixth F1 title at the weekend to become the sport's second most successful driver, just one title short of the great Michael Schumacher, Brawn admits he was wrong and applauded Mercedes' Toto Wolff for giving the 34-year-old freedom.
"I think the best compliment I can pay Lewis today is to say that he has found a unique way of being a great champion," said Brawn.
"I have to admit that when I started working with him back in 2013 I was slightly nervous about his approach to being a professional racing driver.
"For me, the benchmark was Michael Schumacher, a man totally dedicated to chasing success and at the same time very keen to guard his privacy and that of his family.
"Even then, Lewis was demonstrating a truly eclectic approach to his career and whilst totally professional he preferred a lifestyle that was definitely less monastic than Michael’s.
"Lewis has always been comfortable moving in different circles, such as music and fashion, and that’s given him the energy to develop his talent still further, while always ensuring he is in the best physical shape possible, which is vital in the modern Formula 1 era.
"And at Mercedes, Lewis has found the right support in an environment that is stimulating technically but that at the same time allows him the freedom he absolutely needs.
"I therefore congratulate Toto Wolff and the whole team, as they’ve not only given him an amazing car year after year but they’ve allowed Lewis to develop and grow to become one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1, certainly the strongest of the last 15 years."
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