The 23-year-old McLaren Mercedes driver flashed his trademark smile and thumbs up to those who cared to notice him, obliged a couple of autograph-hunters
DNA followed Lewis Hamilton wherever he went, during his one-day stay in city
MUMBAI: His arrival hardly befitted that of a Formula One superstar. Lewis Hamilton, dressed in a grey T-shirt and blue jeans, quietly slipped into Mumbai without drawing much attention from bystanders at the Sahar airport on Thursday afternoon.
The 23-year-old McLaren Mercedes driver flashed his trademark smile and thumbs up to those who cared to notice him, obliged a couple of autograph-hunters at the airport and off he went in a Mercedes, the monstrous AMG C63.
Lewis’ welcome party comprised a couple of officials from the sponsors and, of course, the notoriously fickle Mumbai rain. And it could not have come at a worse time. Having ignored the city for a long time, the showers threw the organisers in a tizzy. After all, Lewis was supposed to show his karting skills on an open track. But then, rains also bring out the best from him. “I think the weather is fine,” he said.
This correspondent and a photographer had embarked upon tracing his drive through the city. It was amazing to see someone like Lewis Hamilton, who is used to driving cars at 300kmph almost every day, getting stuck in traffic jams. His car, though extremely powerful, was helpless when it came to potholes and errant rickshaw drivers.
His first stop in the city was at a five-star hotel in Marol. Lewis’ support staff ensured that no one was denied access to the hotel. After 45 minutes of wait, the Briton emerged from the hotel in racing overalls, on his way to the karting venue. However, from Marol to Powai, his car was constantly dodging potholes and slowing down at regular intervals.
No wonder the current F1 championship leader wasn’t too keen get behind the wheels himself. “After seeing the Mercedes C63, I was tempted to get behind the wheel. However, it looked quite dangerous on these roads,” he quipped.
Lewis, though, seemed to enjoy his first experience in Mumbai, posing, smiling every now and then. “This is my first time in India. The experience has been incredible. It is a pleasure to be here,” he said, then added: “I love sightseeing, especially seeing new places. I hope I could come to India quietly with a rucksack.”
Hamilton flew back to London late on Thursday.
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