F1 Legend Lewis Hamilton Reveals the NASCAR Team Owner Who Inspired Him Growing Up
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has never been shy about expressing his admiration for influential figures who shaped his career. While many fans assume his heroes were exclusively from the world of Formula 1, Hamilton has now revealed that one of his greatest inspirations growing up was not a fellow F1 driver—but a legendary figure from NASCAR.
In a recent interview ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton spoke candidly about how NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick played a pivotal role in shaping his views on leadership, resilience, and motorsport legacy. Hendrick, the founder of Hendrick Motorsports and the most successful team owner in NASCAR Cup Series history, may seem like an unlikely influence on a British driver raised in the world of open-wheel racing. However, Hamilton says Hendrick’s journey resonated with him deeply.
“As a kid, I was obsessed with anything racing,” Hamilton said. “Most people know I looked up to Ayrton Senna, but not many know I also followed NASCAR stories. Rick Hendrick stood out to me—not just because of the success of his team, but the way he built it. His story of perseverance, especially after personal tragedy, inspired me more than he probably knows.”
Hendrick founded his team in 1984, and over the decades, it has grown into a NASCAR powerhouse with over 300 Cup Series wins and 14 championships. The team has fielded some of the sport’s biggest names, including Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Chase Elliott.
Hamilton pointed to Hendrick’s ability to adapt to a constantly changing sport, his nurturing of young talent, and his commitment to innovation as key traits he admired from a young age.
“He wasn’t just winning races,” Hamilton explained. “He was mentoring drivers, building a culture, and staying ahead of the curve. That’s something I’ve tried to do as I’ve matured in Formula 1—build a legacy that’s bigger than just me.”
This revelation comes at a time when Hamilton himself is transitioning into a new chapter. With his upcoming move to Ferrari in 2025 and a growing portfolio of business and philanthropic ventures, Hamilton is clearly thinking about long-term impact, much like Hendrick has done.
“I think now more than ever, I’m thinking about what I leave behind,” Hamilton said. “Rick Hendrick created something lasting. That’s what I want to do too—not just be remembered for wins, but for the people I’ve helped and the change I’ve made.”
Hamilton’s comments sparked a wave of appreciation from fans across both motorsport communities. On social media, NASCAR and F1 fans alike praised the crossover moment as a reminder of the mutual respect shared between different branches of racing.
Even Rick Hendrick himself responded with humility and warmth.
“It’s an honor to know that someone like Lewis, who’s made such a huge impact on the world stage, found inspiration in my story,” Hendrick said in a statement. “He’s a champion in every sense of the word—on the track and off it.”
This isn’t the first time Hamilton has expressed admiration for motorsport figures outside F1. In recent years, he has attended various NASCAR events and publicly supported the idea of cross-disciplinary racing, even flirting with the idea of driving in other categories post-F1.
While no official plans have been announced, the respect between Hamilton and figures like Hendrick fuels speculation that a NASCAR-F1 collaboration—or at least a special appearance—could happen in the future.
As Lewis Hamilton’s career continues to evolve, his openness about his inspirations offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of one of racing’s greatest icons. And in doing so, it bridges the gap between two of the world’s most passionate motorsport fanbases.
