The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence: The Power of Inquisitiveness in Elite Sports

What separates the good from the great? More often than not, it's a willingness to explore. An insatiable curiosity to keep searching, to keep experimenting, and to keep pushing boundaries. This relentless pursuit of excellence is common among elite athletes who are willing to try things that may or may not work, all in the name of progress.

The Curious Mind of Lewis Hamilton

Formula One is a sport where fractions of a second make all the difference. And while technology and engineering are critical, the greatest drivers are those who remain inquisitive, constantly seeking ways to refine their craft. For instance, Lewis Hamilton has shown repeatedly that he’s not content with just being a great driver; he wants to be the greatest of all time, and with that there is a necessity to understand every aspect of his car he is driving.

During the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton took it upon himself to set up his SF-25 car instead of solely relying on Ferrari’s established setups. Speaking after his dominant sprint race victory, he described the experience as “mega.” The choice to tweak and fine-tune the car to his specifications reflected his commitment to excellence and his willingness to experiment and learn.

However, Hamilton's relentless drive to push the limits came with its own risks. Despite his meticulous efforts, he was ultimately disqualified from the Grand Prix for his car being less than a millimetre outside legal specifications. While this is a heartbreaking result, it highlights his willingness to operate at the edge of possibility.

Although this risk ended in failure, it’s his willingness to take those risks that truly defines Hamilton’s greatness. His hands-on approach and relentless curiosity continue to demonstrate a mindset focused on growth and innovation, even when it doesn’t immediately pay off.

The Flying Scotsman

The Flying Scotsman is another story which I have always been a huge fan of and echoes similar traits to that of Lewis Hamilton. Graeme Obree, the cyclist famously known as “The Flying Scotsman.” Frustrated with conventional designs, Obree built his own bicycle using parts from a washing machine. His unorthodox riding position and aerodynamic innovations were initially mocked, but his persistence and willingness to test the limits paid off when he broke the world hour record—twice.

However, Obree’s journey was far from straightforward. Each time he broke records, the sport’s governing bodies changed the rules to outlaw his innovative positions and designs. Rather than giving up, Obree continued to adapt, reimagining his approach repeatedly, proving that a curious, relentless mind is unstoppable even when obstacles are placed in its way.

The examples above all share a common theme: a mindset of relentless curiosity and a willingness to test the unknown. This approach isn’t just about success; it’s about growth, so how can you apply it? There are a couple of rules which you can apply to help you on this journey:

1. Stay Curious: Constantly ask questions and seek knowledge. Don’t be afraid to challenge what’s ‘normal.’

   
   

2. Embrace Failure: Trying new things means sometimes falling short. See failures as opportunities to learn.

   
   

3. Collaborate: Be willing to lean on others' expertise and perspectives to refine your own approach.

   
   

4. Adapt and Evolve: Apply what you learn to your methods and stay open to change.

The greats across all fields share one undeniable trait: a willingness to explore beyond what’s comfortable or expected. If you want to excel, nurture your curiosity, challenge convention, and never be afraid to try something new. That’s where greatness is born.