Lewis Hamilton Interview

1) Are you going to learn to fly your plane?

I've had my plane for three years. I recently had a go at flying it, just left and right and I really enjoyed it. I would like to get a pilots licence but I wouldn't want a commercial one, just a private one so I could fly a small plane.

2) If you could choose any driver, old or new to be your team mate who would it be?

Ayrton Senna, I would have loved to have driven next to him to see how I compare.

3) Did you pass your driving test first time?

Yes, fortunately! I think I had three lessons where I lived but I couldn't get a test in time, so I had a car and I couldn't drive it! In the end I  went to Essex and had the test there in an area I didn't know and I think I got one minor!

4) Do you have a booster in your car to make you go faster?

We have a battery pack which is like an electric boost in the car that gives us extra horse power. Years ago I used to have to press it for it to work but now I don't need to.

5) Is it a tiny space in your car? How do you get in it?

Getting in the car is very easy. The only problem is sometimes I scrape my leg on the steering rack. It's really nice once you get in as the seat it moulded to fit my body and it's really comfortable. Sometimes I fall asleep between qualifying sessions!

6) Do you ever skid around corners?

It's not faster to skid the car around the corners but sometimes you lose grip and the car starts to slide a little but that's not the target.

7) What do you have to do to become a racing driver?

To become a racing driver you have to work really hard at school as you have to be able to understand your engineers and have good communication skills. You need to be fit and focused. You need to be prepared to sacrifice some things – games, parties or whatever it might be – so you can focus on becoming the best driver that you can. You also need to be lucky enough to have a supportive family who will work as hard as you to help get you there, like I did.

8) How does it feel when you first get into your racing car?

It's always exciting as you don't know what to expect!

9) Do you play Mario Kart? Are you good at it?

I love Mario Kart! But I haven't played it for a long time.

10) Which 4 other drivers would you pick to go in an F1 boy band with you?

As far as I'm aware there's no one here in F1 that's musical, I might be wrong, so I'd probably just do it on my own!

11) What is your favourite colour?

Purple

12) What is your favourite flower?

I don't have a favourite flower… maybe a rose.

13) Do you have a lucky charm?

I don't have a lucky charm.

14) What do you eat just before a race?

Usually a chicken salad.

15) Who fixes your car if it breaks?

I have a big team of people who fix my car if it breaks but it doesn't break too often, fortunately!

16) What was your best lesson at school?

I really liked Design & Technology and Art, those were my two favourites.