Sacrifices to make it in Formula OneLewis Hamilton may have taken to life on a Formula One circuit easily enough, but he admits he is finding it difficult to adapt to his new found celebrity status.
The 22 year-old reigning GP2 champion took advantage of the four-week
break in between the Bahrain Grand Prix and this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix to spend some time at his family home in central England.
However the McLaren Mercedes-Benz driver admitted his record-breaking achievements in becoming the first rookie to make it on to the podium in his first three races have changed the way the British public act towards him.
"It was strange going back as what people describe as a 'celebrity'," said Hamilton. "When I got home there were photographers outside my house. Everywhere I go now, whether it's the petrol station or the sweet shop or the supermarket, people notice me."
"You can say they're reluctant to approach me. You see them whisper to their friends. It's really quite strange, and you have to pinch yourself to make sure it's real.
Fortunately for me I've not just shot to the top, and I've not got hundreds of people coming up to me every day. Its bit by bit people are noticing me in the streets."
Hamilton revealed that he is learning to enjoy the attention.
"Every day I go out now I am noticing that someone recognises me, but it's not a problem. People are pleasant. I just have to make sure I enjoy it because there's no much you can do about it. If I don't enjoy it then I shouldn't be in this position. I knew it was going to happen at some point, and it's a sacrifice I am willing to make."
"I love doing what I'm doing; I love racing the car. It's so much better than anything else I've ever experienced, and I want to continue doing it."
Source AFP
