Lewis Hamilton has opened up on rebuilding his relationship with his father Anthony after “losing that bond” during his relentless pursuit of greatness in Formula 1.
The six-time world champion was initially managed by his father after entering the sport in 2007, with a split announced in 2010 following a period when the pair failed to speak.
Hamilton, 35, admits it was “not the easiest of relationships”, but is now thrilled to have grown closer once again following some time together alone.
“Our journey hasn’t been an easy one, we’ve faced so many obstacles as individuals but also as a family,” Hamilton wrote on social media.
“My dad and I haven’t had the easiest of relationships. He worked so hard to create an opportunity for us as a family and because of him I am where I am today.
“In the search for success, with all the pressure it put on us all, we were so immersed in the drive to succeed that we that we lost sight of what was most important, our relationship.
“Over time, we lost that father son bond and it has been something we have both wanted back for so long.
“The past couple years we’ve been growing closer and this winter break I asked my dad to come visit me so we could spend some time together, just us.
“We hadn’t done this before so to finally get to spend quality time with him has brought me so much happiness.”
Hamilton hopes his story will inspire others to reunite with distant relatives and maintains “family is the most important thing in the world”.
“I just wanted to share this with you,” Hamilton added. “Family is the most important thing in the world.
“You can’t chose your family but you can make it work with them no matter your differences, they are the ones that will be there when you have nothing. Sending everyone positivity and love.”