Lewis Hamilton has expressed gratitude towards Nigel Mansell for his support over the years and believes more ex-drivers should follow suit.

Victory in the United States Grand Prix meant Hamilton became the most successful British driver in F1 history, claiming his 32nd race win to edge him ahead of former driver Mansell.

The 1992 world champion was quick to congratulate Hamilton after the race which has left the 29-year-old in sight of his second title as he leads Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg by 24 points with two races remaining.

And Hamilton took some time out to thank the former world champions for his support.

“Nigel has been very, very supportive this year.It’s good to have support," he said.

“I see a lot of negative stories and negative things said from legendary ex-drivers. I always think to myself ‘why would you not want to be supporting me? We’re from the same place.

“But it’s great to see someone like Nigel, who has achieved a huge amount, who has said ‘I was there, I did it, I owned the T-shirt’. As I say, it’s nice to have that support.”

Brilliant for Lewis and Merc.Nico put up a strong fight but Lewis did a fantastic job many Congratulations 5 wins on trot 32 Wins altogether

— Nigel Mansell CBE (@nigelmansell) November 2, 2014

 

 

In addition, Hamilton believes  Mansell has also taught him lessons he will carry forward when the time comes to leave the sport.

“One day when I’m gone and I return to watch, I want to be supportive,” Hamilton continued.

“I want to be seeing the next Brit come through and be encouraging rather than kicking them in the guts. That’s what I would like to be doing. I want to be inspiring young drivers rather than talking c***.”

The victory was Hamilton’s 10th this season and his fifth in succession, with just six drivers in F1 previously achieving such a feat – Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Mansell, Alberto Ascari, Jim Clark and Jack Brabham.

When asked about the accomplishment, the 29-year-old added: “I do feel very proud at what I have achieved. Who would ever have thought us Hamiltons would get to where we have when I look back at when we turned up at a track the first year in karting?

“We had a little box trailer with the kart on top, and whilst others had awnings, we had an umbrella. It was almost like everyone thought ‘What are they doing here?

 “It was so funny, but I’m so very, very proud.”