Lewis Hamilton, the reigning Formula One world champion, has drawn parallels between the excitement of driving and the awe inspired by evolving technology in the sport.
Having secured his fifth drivers’ title this year, Hamilton reflects on the technological advancements that have permeated Formula One. Initially engaged in his father’s IT and network support firm in Stevenage as a teenager, he has witnessed firsthand the evolution of technology from his early days in karting to the pinnacle of racing. He remarked, ‘When I first started out in karting, it was obviously very basic, but then as I progressed to cars tech became a key factor.’
During the HPE Discover event in Madrid, Hamilton expressed his amazement at the integration of advanced technology in F1. ‘When I got to Formula One and saw how much technology is used, for example, using the robot in building the engines, it’s fascinating – they plug a bunch of digits to the software and it churns out this incredible piece of work,’ he elaborated. He finds the collaborative effort and technological progress as stimulating as his primary role as a driver.
Hamilton’s intrigue extends beyond the racetrack. He has been particularly captivated by how racetrack technology has transitioned into road vehicles. Recalling a significant moment, he stated, ‘I remember flying to Boston in 2009 for the first time to see the new technology with batteries – and now seeing how that technology has evolved into road cars to become a massive part of the future.’ This evolution underscores the broader implications of F1 innovations on everyday automotive technology.
Lewis Hamilton’s reflections underscore the symbiotic relationship between cutting-edge technology and Formula One, highlighting how advancements initially seen on the track are shaping the future of road vehicles. His insights provide a forward-thinking perspective on the exciting trajectory of automotive technology.