Ahead of his bid to equal Michael Schumacher’s record 91 wins in Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton received some emotional support from Serena Williams, reported AFP.

While speaking in Paris on the eve of the French Open, Selena told AFP, “Lewis and I are super close. I’ve known him for years. I love that guy. He’s a really good friend of mine. The guy is such a champion – has such a champion’s mindset.”

She added, “I look at what he does training, physically, his job. Really no words for it, to be honest. He is for me the greatest driver that our generation has seen.”

Hamilton reached a record-increasing 96th pole position on Saturday to set up his race to equal Schumacher’s record. 

Talking about the upcoming record, she said, “I’m confident that he will break the record of Michael Schumacher, who was also a fabulous driver. But Lewis is so intense. If you know anything, even if you’re a fan, you know he lives his life on his sleeve. He’s very emotional. He says what he says. That’s just who he is. He doesn’t care who you are. That’s one thing I’ve grown to really appreciate about him, as well.”

Lewis, who is a friend of the American tennis star, has often praised her and share similar feelings on diversity and equality. He has led Formula One’s anti-racism campaign this season, leading the drivers in taking a knee before races and drawing attention to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign.