Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to Michael Schumacher with a message that hailed the German as a “legend” and “role model” in a new book, Afrosport reports.
Both men are Formula 1’s two most successful drivers with seven world titles apiece and Hamilton lauded Schumacher in the foreword of a new book titled ‘World Championship Cars – Michael Schumacher’ .
It was written by the 55-year-old’s forme manager Sabine Kehm and Elmar Brummer, and celebrates his seven titles which began with Bennetton exactly three decades go.
The Mercedes driver wrote: “Michael is among the legends in our sport. When you grow up with passion for motorsport, you always look up at specific people, and without doubt Michael was a role model for young drivers.
“His speed, his work morals, his determination and consistency – the length of his career and his top performance can only be admired.”
He added: “When it comes to Michael’s legacy, however, I focus on him as a person rather than a competitor. It’s not about titles or trophies, but about the family that he and Corinna [Schumacher’s wife] created together.
“Their greatness, their humility and their sincerity say much more about Michael’s values than I ever could.”
Hamilton will look to surpass Schumacher by winning an elusive eighth championship when he joins the Scuderia in 2025.
Schumacher has been out of the public eye since December 2013 when he hit his head on a rock in skiing accident and has been receiving treatment in his home in Switzerland.
