14Lewis Hamilton wants kids but would stop them gearing up for motorsport

Speaking to SunSport fresh from his latest title coronation, Hamilton spoke candidly about his life away from the racetrack and revealed how he:

• Plans to work within the UK education system, possibly building a school to help get children into engineering.
• Wants to become a dad — but will desperately try to persuade his children NOT to go into racing.
•  Spends his Christmas at his home in Colorado, buying bonkers $10 Secret Santa gifts, such as toilet brushes, for his family.

14Boosting education could be the next driving ambition for F1 superstar Lewis HamiltonCredit: AP:Associated Press

Hamilton, who lines up in tomorrow’s Brazilian Grand Prix having already secured the championship last time out in Mexico City, is in relaxed mood as he faces questions about his personal life.

The 33-year-old is frequently misunderstood and the public’s perception of him is incredibly split — with the majority having already made up their minds about Britain’s best Formula One driver.

Those who do not know him accuse him of being false and a show-off.

Those who do know him call him genuine and sincere.

14British driving legend Lewis Hamilton has dated American rapper Nicki MinajCredit: Getty Images – Getty

14To those who know him personally, Lewis Hamilton is regarded as a genuine and charitable person, at odds with the public image of the mega-rich sports starCredit: Getty Images – Getty

There is no doubting his sporting talent and on that alone he should be applauded as the greatest of his generation.

Yet there is also a generous and charitable side to the F1 megastar who grew up in a council house in Stevenage — and one which could benefit the UK education system.

He said: “I have a lot of things that I want to do. I get tons of messages every day asking me if I want to do this or that and it is about focusing on which one has the most impact or is the most meaningful.

“At the moment it is focusing on racing. But as I get to the tail end of my career, that is going to shift and I’m putting in the building blocks so I can work on those things.

14F1 is still the overwhelming focus for Lewis Hamilton but his attention will turn ever more towards the future of educationCredit: AP:Associated Press

14Victory in the Brazilian GP would confirm the dominance of  Lewis HamiltonCredit: Reuters

“Education is one thing I want to get involved in. I’d like to meet government heads and understand the curriculum they are giving the kids.

“I remember being at school and there was never a discussion with a teacher about encouraging someone to become an engineer or how to get on to that path.

“If I was to do something with schools the priority is in the UK.

“I also cannot understand how we stand by and watch all these kids trying to get into racing and parents taking them out of school.

14Lewis Hamilton is aiming to meet with the Government about educationCredit: Reuters

14Lewis Hamilton insists improving education will be a huge part of his life once he retires as an F1 aceCredit: AP:Associated Press

“A lot of parents maybe home educate them but 98 per cent of those who don’t make it end up with no opportunities.

“I remember struggling at school and jeez, if I hadn’t made it, I would have fallen flat on my face — and we didn’t have a lot of money.”

The subject of money is often a vulgar topic when speaking to stars such has Hamilton, who has earned £33million this season alone.

He is estimated to be worth north of £160m and has much of his cash tied up in investments — as was revealed by the Paradise Papers investigation last year, which also uncovered how he avoided paying tax on his private jet.

14Lewis Hamilton says he does not want his children to follow him to the world of F1Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Hamilton did not break any rules in doing so but the episode shows he has a keen eye on his finances.

“I asked him what he spends his money on and he is refreshingly honest. Instead of telling me to mind my own business, he said: “I invest. I put a lot of my money away.

“I have quite a big will to look after my family. I look after them a lot and take care of them.”

Still single, despite being linked with a string of women — most recently singer Nicki Minaj — I ask Hamilton if kids are on the agenda.

He insists they are but does not want his children to follow him into motor sport because it would be too easy for them to be gifted an F1 seat.

Five time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton gives touching statement to fans and supporters for his victory in Mexico

The Mercedes star added: “I want to have kids at one stage but I don’t believe I can be a great father and the best racer in the world. It is just I would be less focused.

“At work I’d be thinking about when I could get home, whereas at the moment I can be with my engineers and take my time.

“I don’t want my kids to go into F1. For one, I don’t want to be in this sport for God knows how many more years.

14Lewis Hamilton is now commonly recognised as the greatest British racing driverCredit: AFP or licensors

“It would also be such an easy route for my kid, who would be guaranteed a seat in Formula One because of their name.“I will do everything in my power to steer them in another direction — but who knows?”

Hamilton is close to his family and says it will not be until they are all sat around the table at his Colorado home for Christmas that he will appreciate his achievements this year.