'Lost that bond': F1 champ Lewis Hamilton opens up about relationship with father

Lewis Hamilton has opened up about how he has sought to repair his relationship with his father, which broke down back in 2010.

The seven-time F1 champion was managed by his father, Anthony, when he made his debut in the sport with McLaren in 2007.

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Hamilton was sponsored by his father throughout his junior karting career, until he was signed by McLaren at the age of just 11.

He remained his son’s manager until 2010, when the relationship between the two broke down as Lewis chased his second world driver’s championship.

The pair didn’t speak for some time after that, but the now 35-year-old posted a picture of he and his father on holiday on Twitter, saying it was important to remember and recognise the important relationships in life.

Hamilton said he and his father had drifted apart as he sought greater success in F1.

"Our journey hasn't been an easy one,” Hamilton wrote.

“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 haven't done this before, so to finally get to spend quality time with him has brought me so much happiness.

“Family is the most important thing in the world.

“You can't choose your family but you can make it work with them no matter what your differences. They are the ones that will be there when you have nothing.”