Maurice Hamilton - I talked my way in

Maurice Hamilton has been part of the Formula One scene since 1977 and was the Observer's motor racing correspondent for 20 years. He has written more than 20 books as well as commentating on Formula One for BBC Radio. He is now actively involved with the online community on twitter and writes several blogs whilst continuing to write books about racing. If you don't already, please follow Maurice on twitter @MauriceHamilton


As part of my F1 Portrait series, I had the pleasure to sit down with Maurice to talk about his journey from attending his first race as a child in Northern Ireland to his first "official" Formula One event as A professional journalist in 1977. 


During Maurice's career covering more than 500 Grand Prix, Formula One has changed beyond recognition. Along the way we cover how life was in the paddock when he started with drivers and personalities such as James Hunt and Ken Tyrrell and how the culture started to shift when Bernie Ecclestone took over the commercial side of racing.

[@mariomuth]

Many thanks for all the kind comments. It was such a great pleasure to sit with Maurice and talk about the sport we both love. Maurice is a wonderful and passionate person, so full of great stories and memories. The interview was 2h 30m in total - it was so hard to cut it to 45 minutes.

[@PontoonWorldChampion]

What a great film Mario. You're captured a great insight of life in F1 with Maurice Hamilton.

[@ABurkans]

Great, Fantastic, Brilliant etc. Formula One at its real best. Thank You very much Maurice and Mario!

[@Halliday57]

Very good interview, it's great to hear how easy going F1 used to be.

[@phildalessandro5720]

Another great interview ! I can fully understand the passion that Maurice Hamilton has for Formula One ! This passion is the heart of Formula One, something that is rarely understood in the corporate boardroom.

[@f1doc]

You've done it again Mario. Superb content, superbly presented. Cannot wait for the next one. And for the one after that.

[@oldwrench4213]

Dare to be great unless you can fake it ! Well done Maurice. You earned your spot in F1 history also.

[@hutch430]

Great! If you're a F1 fan, past or present, definitely worth your time.

[@StefanMarjoram]

These films are such a treat - thanks very much indeed. What a lovely chap Maurice is too.

[@smilerbull]

Absolutely fantastic video Mario.

[@mrbouffont]

Outstanding piece, it's not often I find something in F1 that genuinely is 'new' in so many ways.

[@TG280]

Fantastic........and a really nice bloke.

[@Sparckus]

Once again superb, please don't stop making these Mario :)

[@gearsau]

Excellent interview. Always enjoy Maurice Hamilton's writing. Nice to hear of his history.

[@grifferello]

I could listen to Maurice telling stories about F1 all day long. Coffee is on me if you have the time. Love the F1 Racing interviews too. Keep it up. Many thanks.

[@TXizzle]

great vid! Nice to see someone with such a rich GP history talk so vividly and open about all that has been.

[@mariomuth]

Hi Dominic - thanks for taking the time to comment. I am in touch with Joe and we are trying to find a slot in our diaries we can get together in Paris. Joe is on the road a lot and I need to find time outside of my day job, but it is something we both want to get done as soon as possible.

[@RaduB.]

These stories are brilliant! Almost like being at the track. Much more than watching a race. Thank you for saving them. And sharing them with us.

[@studiolezard]

Excellent series. I don't know how you get them to be so comfortable telling their stories. Bravo!

[@edforce9]

He greatly reminded us what F-1 is all about!Absolutely professional filming!Really did enjoy the interviews!!

[@gearsau]

Great video. Always enjoy Maurice Hamiltons' articles in the magazines.

[@chap666ish]

Fascinating.

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

Wonderful!

[@mariomuth]

I am glad you liked it. The program Maurice is looking at is the original one he bought at the track at the time, so I guess that is the way it was for that specific event.

[@shortndeaf]

beautiful interview with Maurice simply being Maurice - his love of the sport, his passion for motor racing shines - might have been 45+ minutes but felt less than 10! thanks

[@mccurleyharry]

I really, really enjoyed this Maurice (Mario too!). I've been a fan since I was about 8 (33 years ago). As a fellow Northern Irish person it makes me proud to listen to Maurice, from a wee place like ours with only 1.5M people :)

[@vidtrax662]

Very professional and well formatted. Look forward to more! F1 has such a rich history that never seem to end which is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@wf1g]

So kind of you to bring this to my attention.. Jp

[@pmckegney]

Really enjoyed this - great insight & really well put together

[@michaelking42]

Wow this was a fascinating insight, thank you Mario. I loved the way he found his way into the sport, something he was so passionate about. And I really enjoyed the footage, and way you presented the interview, thank you.

[@gruntr18]

Great video

[@richardaston4752]

Loved that! Eyes of experience fused with Irish witt. Fantastic insight again. Keep them coming

[@dombyrne1549]

I would quite happily watch an extended cut of this interview if you were willing to put it up here. Also can I say how deeply impressed and thankful I am for these series of videos. I have found them immensely enjoyable and truly different from most of the F1 content out there. May I suggest Joe Saward as potential interviewee. Having followed his blog for a long time I believe you would get an equally fascinating insight into F1 from a journalistic perspective.

[@IIXRATEDIIHiTMAN]

Love these videos!

[@GDH1981]

This was really interesting, I can't wait to see who you interview next

[@edforce9]

Priceless stuff!thanks for theses videos!

[@ericpl114]

Love your work. Thank you.

[@martyndaly1539]

Not a bad Murray impression!

[@aussiehongkong9014]

Brilliant - so love the format you use. And I loved Maurice's passion - especially when talking about what it's like to be be at a grand prix - the smell, the noise, the speed Thank you :)