Lewis hamilton: f1 champion reveals what he 'never expected'

Hamilton is one of the most successful drivers in motor sport history and wrapped up his fifth F1 title this autumn. The 33-year-old has amassed a following all over the globe during his

storied racing career. And his supporters turn out in their masses every year, from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix to the finale in Abu Dhabi. Lewis Hamilton’s exploits away from

the track have seen appreciation in him grow as well. The Brit has entered the world of fashion and wants to go into music when he hangs up his driving gloves. Hamilton has now admitted he

is taken aback by just how many fans he has across the planet. "I don’t really know," Hamilton admitted, when asked at the FIA’s awards if fans love him as much for his appearances

alongside fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and pop star Rihanna as F1 rival Sebastian Vettel. "Well I mean we all have a platform, this sport has given so many of us such a great

platform to do some great things and I’m very, very fortunate. "I never in a million years thought that I would have people following me the way they do but I’m very, very privileged to

have a great following. "Formula 1 is doing a great job in bringing so many great personalities into the sport ‘cause we’re in that era now where you have to cross over, you have to

expand and the sport continues to do so. "So I’m grateful to be in amongst that with the other top drivers here in Formula 1 and I hope that we can do more." Hamilton is now level

on five F1 titles with Argentine racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio. And, with two years left on his Mercedes deal, he has the opportunity to equal Michael Schumacher’s all-time record.

Hamilton is not resting on his laurels despite winning four of the past five World Drivers’ Championships. And he has revealed what he has requested of his Mercedes team-mates to help him

over the winter. "I asked my team to send me an email from several different departments, asked them to be blunt," Hamilton said. "They don’t even need to tell me who the

email’s from, just tell me the things [they] think I can improve on. "If there’s been a certain experience this year you felt that could be better or something I’ve said that’s swayed

the energy within the team. "Because I’m looking to be the all-time great and that means winning in all areas." Hamilton will begin his F1 title defence at the Australian Grand

Prix in Melbourne next March.