Lewis grateful for father's influence

(PA)

Lewis Hamilton has praised the impact of father Anthony in helping him become Formula One world champion.

Anthony has been the one constant in Lewis' life since he started out on the road to title glory at the age of eight in karting.

Supporting what began as a hobby, despite financial hardship, Anthony played not only the fatherly role, but was also an advisor and mentor, even a mechanic as he also repaired the karts.

As Lewis then worked his way through the various categories and ultimately into F1 with McLaren, Anthony has remained by his side, and now also serves as his manager.

When asked as to what his dad had meant to him over the years en route to becoming champion, it was not an easy question for him to answer as Anthony was stood just a few feet away.

With emotion in his voice, he initially replied: "He's been an inspiration, positive in many ways."

After a pause, Hamilton then broke the ice as he joked: "But he's a dad, a pain in the arse sometimes as well!"