Updated: Hamilton entertains thousands in Malta

2008 F1 champion Lewis Hamilton this morning entertained the thousands of people who gathered at Malta International Airport with a demonstration of a McLaren Mercedes F1 car racing down a taxiway. The people were impressed by the high speed, noise and braking capabilities of the car. As he was driving, Hamilton occasionally waved at crowd and he then joined Vodafone officials as they handed a donation to President George Abela for the Community Chest Fund. Hamilton then took President Abela on a hot lap in a Mercedes road car. Several vintage cars did not turn up for the event, being organised by Paqpalli Ghall-Istrina, because of the adverse weather. Making light of the “Raise the Game” theme of the day of sponsor Vodafone, President Abela joked on stage before Hamilton’s press conference: “Mhux ‘Raise the Game’, raise the funds,” in reference to the Community Chest Fund, which will benefit from today’s event. Hamilton climbed into the seat of the McLaren MP4-26 F1 again for another performance on the taxiway in the afternoon to the delight of the cold but cheerful crowd. Earlier, Hamilton had given an interview to The Times, which will be published in tomorrow’s...