How Pep Guardiola used Lewis Hamilton inspiration for Manchester City’s Premier League success

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has previously taken inspiration from Lewis Hamilton, urging his squad to replicate the success of the Formula One driver during the Premier League title race.

Pep Guardiola took inspiration from the veteran F1 driver during the previous Premier League title race with Liverpool in 2021, requesting that his players try to replicate the success of Lewis Hamilton in a rallying public message to his squad.

Manchester City currently find themselves amidst another Premier League title race with Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the Sky Blues bidding to win the league for a record-breaking fourth successive season.

City, who beat Burnley 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening to remain within five points of league leaders Liverpool, have played one game less than both the Merseyside club and Arsenal.

This weekend could also significantly impact the destination of the Premier League trophy, as Liverpool travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal prior to Manchester City’s trip to Brentford on Monday evening.

Manchester City currently occupy 2nd place ahead of the Gunners on goal difference, but just three points separate City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

City and Liverpool have previously been involved in thrilling Premier League title races, meanwhile Guardiola’s side also beat Arsenal to the trophy last season, winning the league by five points as part of a landmark treble.

Guardiola has taken inspiration from Mercedes F1 duo Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton in the past, with the seven-time World Champion inspiring Manchester City’s first-team squad in 2021, when the Blues last fought with Liverpool for the title.

“You saw in the F1; [Max] Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were incredible champions, but sometimes success doesn’t depend on you,” said Guardiola.

“Something’s there is a winner and you don’t win, but both are champions. The players have to fight like Verstappen and Hamilton to the end.

“But sometimes even with that doing perfectly, incredibly well, there is something you cannot control that decides you are the winner. This is an example I took from Sunday; always fight. In the end a law or VAR or bad decision and many things and you don’t win.”

Hamilton looks set to sensationally quit Mercedes in 2025, with the legendary English driver set to sign for Ferrari in a shock move.