02 March 2010 – Hamilton no longer managed by father

Lewis Hamilton is now on the lookout for new management after agreeing to end a lifelong working relationship with father Anthony. With the latter having managed his son’s career from his very first karting days, the pair have now mutually agreed to continue their journeys in different directions, Autosport reports.

Having been looked after by McLaren since 1997, Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut a decade later and immediately impressed by claiming podium finishes in his first nine Grands Prix, including victories Canada and America. Lewis admits, however, that the plan to separate from his father was always in the pipeline.

“I’m 25 now and I think it was inevitable that there had to be change at some point,” Hamilton told Autosport. “Over the past few years, we looked around to see if we could bring someone else into the picture to help with the situation – whether to help with guidance, or sponsors, or whatever it was.”

Hamilton clinched his first Formula 1 race victory in Montreal three years ago
Hamilton admits that he and his father had considered the split at an earlier date. “We looked at it and I just never felt comfortable with anyone else,” he explained. “At the time I loved my dad being my Manager and taking care of things because I trust him. Other managers you hire as employees, but my dad is my dad. I know he does things for only the right reasons and I can just trust him with my full heart.
“But all of this time we were discussing bringing someone else in, we never quite had the confidence to do it. I think we’re now at the point where we are looking to take that step and I think it is a positive step. I’m 25, I am my own man now, I’ve been in F1 for quite a while and wouldn’t have been able to do it without my dad. He’s done a fantastic job.”
Anthony, meanwhile, continues to nurture young talent through his recently established GP Prep driver management company, with Dutch youngster Nyck de Vries having already been signed as an up and coming McLaren talent.

Find all F1 news on GPupdate.net.

CHANGE OF DATES, Grand Prix F1 of Monaco and Historic Grand Prix were advanced of one week. This year, we thus wait for you on May 1st and 2nd, 2010 for Historic Grand Prix and from Thursday, May 13th till Sunday, May 16th, 2010 for Monaco F1 Grand Prix.