Lewis Hamilton speaks out after beating Russell and Norris to award

Lewis Hamilton opens up on difficult season for Mercedes

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Lewis Hamilton has praised UK motorsport for producing “great drivers” after beating George Russell and Lando Norris to an F1 award. Hamilton picked up the trophy for the British Competition Driver of the Year at the Autosport Awards in London last night.

The seven-time champion edged out his Mercedes team-mate Russell despite the former Williams star finishing ahead in the Drivers’ Championship. Norris also missed out on the prize after a difficult season at McLaren while IMSA champion Tom Blomqvist was nominated.

Hamilton explained: “I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for voting for me. There are some amazingly talented drivers, British drivers. I don’t know how we continue to produce such great drivers in the UK but I’m really proud to be a part of it.

“I want to congratulate all the nominees tonight and wish you all an amazing evening and wish you a great Christmas and New Year and hope that 2023 is an even better year for you all.”

The award was decided on fan voting but many were still angered at the decision. Several social media users felt the award should have been handed to Russell or Blomqvist after a pair of breakthrough seasons.

Russell secured his first F1 win in commanding fashion at the Brazilian Grand Prix while Blomqvist took victory at the famous Petit Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona. Twitter user @Rossco2810 said: “I’m a Lewis fan but not sure how he got this. George was better this year and probably Lando too.”

@MaximumAttackDT added: “Lewis is clearly one of the greatest drivers of all time but, of all the British drivers in 2022, in all the different disciplines, was he REALLY the best? I’m not sure I believe that.”

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HAMILTON

@fournier_gerard posted: “Nothing against LH44 but don’t you think that George Russell could have received the support he deserved this year? Lewis might become 2023 Driver of the year but Russell was more consistent this year.”

Hamilton was credited with helping Mercedes turn around their fortunes after a difficult start to the season. The Briton battled with Max Verstappen for race victories in the USA and Mexico after a resurgent end to the campaign.

However, Hamilton failed to win a Grand Prix all season for the first time since joining the sport in 2007. The Mercedes driver also dropped to his lowest-ever championship finish of P6 after retiring from the final race.

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