F1 reporter describes:

This is how bitchy “Diva” Hamilton can be in an interview

Kai Ebel (l.) revealed how the interviews with Lewis Hamilton work.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Kai Ebel has been working as a reporter in Formula 1 since 1992 and has since been able to capture the voices of numerous drivers on the microphone. Including that of Lewis Hamilton, who can become a diva when he's in a bad mood ...

"Lewis can be a diva. He's a brilliant entertainer when he's in a good mood. But when he's in a bad mood, he quickly becomes very monosyllabic or breaks off the conversation," the 59-year-old told "web.de". Ebel was always aware: "You can dish it out, but you also have to be able to take it."

Kimi "was an original"
The funniest interviewee he's ever asked to step up to the microphone? "Kimi Räikkönen. Because he was sometimes taciturn, but sometimes he didn't stop talking at all. But he said everything with the same expression on his face. Regardless of whether he was world champion or had just retired. That was outstanding. He was an original, sometimes difficult to crack, but authentic."

Kimi Räikkönen was on the gas in Formula 1 until 2021.

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

He also has amusing conversations with Max Verstappen. "Always good, always funny, very authentic. He says what he thinks," says the sports editor, who can be seen on free TV again this year. While ServusTV (ORF has a sub-license) has the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in Austria, seven races will be broadcast in Germany by Cologne-based private broadcaster RTL - including funny or perhaps even bitchy interviews with the drivers ...