An elated Lewis Hamilton stood tall atop the podium in Montreal, after his first victory of the campaign. Flanked by Lotus’ Romain Grosjean and Sauber’s Sergio Perez, the Brit was elevated to top of the Drivers’ Championship for the first time since Spa 2010.
After becoming the 7th different winner in seven races, Hamilton’s 3rd win in Canada seems to prove he’s finally driven through the season long slump that was 2011.
That dreaded year saw a frustrated Hamilton looking for the season to end rather than a race win, as things on an off the track wore away faster than a set of Pirelli tyres.
In the shadow of the Sebastian Vettel juggernaut, which tore the 2011 season apart, Hamilton was left stranded 165 points adrift of the double World Champion. Arguably, what was more concerning was falling 43 points behind teammate Jenson Button.
Only metres separated the drivers in the garage but in the mind of Hamilton it could have felt like miles. Jenson’s twelve podium finishes were greeted with joy from his camp, whereas an isolated Hamilton only claimed seven.
At the end of the season Hamilton told the BBC:
“He’s (Button) in a much better place, he has his dad there all there all the time who doesn’t get involved in his business. He’s got his manager, his friends and his girlfriend there all the time.
“I’m certain that in future things will work out, and when they do I’ll be in the same position as he is mentally.”
Lewis is the only man in the paddock who since his World Championship win has changed the backroom team that surrounds him. After relieving his father Antony Hamilton of management duties at the end of the 2010 he climbed aboard with XIX Entertainment, a move that was greeted with criticism by many.
Other personal issues were also playing on his mind as he split with pop star girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger, and left his home in Switzerland to take up residence in Monaco. All of this left Hamilton feeling he was drifting away, alone without a paddle.
So what’s changed this year to put a smile back on the Brit’s face?
The reunion with his pop star girlfriend has helped Lewis refocus his mind and he once again, and given him a shoulder to lean on when things aren’t going too well on the track.
Also XIX have hired him a new manager to steer his ship back on course in the form of the seasoned Didier Coton, who has been on board with an abundant number of F1 drivers, most famously Mika Hakkinen.
With the bubble back around Lewis it appears a new man has returned to shore, leaving his demons at sea. He looks down the tight leader board and can be optimistic about the season that lies ahead.
In one of the most uniquely competitive seasons to date he is at the top of the pile, due to having the most podium finishes out of the field. A new Lewis Hamilton has arrived out of the storm and is once again is filled with the confidence to race at the top of the grid once again.
Finally with his win on the board Hamilton is flying high and has the confidence to be a real contender this year. With no one taking a firm hold on the Championship in 2012, a revived Lewis Hamilton is currently in pole position to ascend to the level of double World Champion.
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Formula1Fancast/~3/PgnpUpXJed8/are-we-seeing-a-new-lewis-hamilton
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