Lewis Hamilton

[AriettyHomily]

Why isn't he more celebrated. An incredible achievement, 91 wins, equalling MS and it's so low key on the news?

@LadyWithLapdog

I’m torn. I don’t care for the sport. But he’s vegan, supports BLM publicly and donates vast amounts to charity; so I wish I could like him more. Yet, he lives abroad for tax purposes, that’s a major negative.

"Charityis a cold grey loveless thing. If a rich man wants to help the poor, he should pay his taxes gladly, not dole out money at a whim."

Clement Atlee

I'd be surprised if any F1 driver resides in the country of his birth paying the same proportionate rates of tax as the average person on the street...yet that's what Lewis Hamilton gets singled out for? It's laughable.

I think he is a wonderful role model, like everyone in the world he is a mix of good and bad, clearly is extremely talented in his chosen field, and will go on to be the greatest of all time.

It took a long time for anyone on this thread to refer to his race, which is surprising, particularly in this time of BLM and October being Black History Month. That is probably a factor in this dislikability of his that people "can't quite put their finger on". I hope he continues to shine and doesn't read any press about himself.

Lewis has grown on me over the years, he doesn't infuriate me like he used to. I think as he's grown he's settled into his own skin a bit, as many of us do in our thirties I guess. I think it's admirable that he has the capacity to be dominating the sport and have interests outside it - serious issue stuff like BLM, but also music, fashion etc. It paints a picture of someone more well rounded than a lot of top athletes (even though I'll confess I don't share his taste in fashion).

I'm the biggest Schumacher fan going, but there's no denying Hamilton has a cleaner record, and a much cleaner record than most with that kind of longevity. I do think Schumacher was more than just a driver though, I think he gave more to Ferrari than Hamilton gives to Mercedes in terms of leadership. He also never once criticised the team, that I can think of anyway.

I can't get too worked up about the tax avoidance. Most people with that kind of income avoid as much tax as they can, and finances aside I can't blame anyone for preferring Monaco to England - for the climate alone.

Really come on people this is a bloody racist thread. All elite athletes are single minded. Who cares about their clothes, earrings etc. James Hunt was good looking and charismatic as is Lewis.
He is a fantastic racing driver. If I wanted a best friend of course I would pick Daniel Ricciardo but this is sport.

Black people have to behave in a very particular way to be accepted, especially when they are successful.

"He's this, he's that. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just don't like him!"

It's the same old 'know your place' attitude. Yawn!

Most of them live in Monaco don’t they?. I would too if I’m honest.

I reckon he’ll go for at least 8 wc.

He’s a legend who’s much underrated. Compare and contrast with Bradley Wiggins, who doped and managed to squeeze one Tour de France win after he was hauled round by Chris Froome, and bagged a knighthood.

F1 is a bit dull at the moment. At least part of that is due to Hamilton being head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

@OudRose

Black people have to behave in a very particular way to be accepted, especially when they are successful.

"He's this, he's that. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just don't like him!"

It's the same old 'know your place' attitude. Yawn!

Indeed. And Hamilton has spoken quite eloquently about this in recent years, how his dad advised him to play the part Ron Dennis would want to see with short hair, smart clothes etc. I think Lewis is playing less and less of a role these days (why would he, he has no need to any more) and I think that's why he's become more likeable.

I reckon he’ll go for at least 8 wc.

I think only an enforced absence will stop him.

What he does next is interesting. I think he should've moved to Ferrari, bringing them back to greatness where Fernando and Seb failed would have made a strong case for being the undisputed greatest of all time IMO. He's clearly decided that's not worth the risk (understandable), so what does he do after number 8? Toto clearly weighing up the same question. It's unlikely Mercedes will be the dominant force under the new regs, I don't think any team has ever managed that (although if anyone was going to it would be them). I think he should do a Nico and retire at the top. Continuing didn't do anything for the legacy of Michael or Seb, and I think Fernando is certifiable to come back, much as I'd love to see him do well.

I'd be surprised if any F1 driver resides in the country of his birth paying the same proportionate rates of tax as the average person on the street...yet that's what Lewis Hamilton gets singled out for? It's laughable.

If it helps, I dislike all the others that do it too. Both in Formula 1 and other sports/ industries.

@Brogues

In the 90s and before there were just so many charismatic drivers even those who weren’t always winners we remember the names of not just the top dogs. I think a lot of people have just fallen out of love with F1 and ergo the drivers too.

I agree but, tbf, a controversial or stupid quote in the 90s didn't cost the team and driver quite so much in lost ad revenue etc. So drivers didn't get media training and contracts that limited what they could say etc. to the same extent.

When your car is sponsored by Marlboro you mind less if your driver comes across a bit cool "Rebel Without a Cause". When sponsored by Hewlett Packard they expect something a bit more corporate and family-acceptable. Plus, social media has forced everyone in the public eye to sanitise a bit. F1 drivers, pop stars, actors, so on.

Meh. I'm old enough to remember the criticism of Schumacher et al for being corporate bores, why couldn't they be more like Hunt etc.

I think the young drivers (Norris and co, and Ricciardo although he's hardly young any more) are the most appealing personality wise in a long time.

He has his dogs on a vegan diet.

I can’t stand the man for a number of other reasons but I think this destroyed what shred of respect I had for him. What an idiot.

@IHaveAGreyLamp

He has his dogs on a vegan diet.

I can’t stand the man for a number of other reasons but I think this destroyed what shred of respect I had for him. What an idiot.

Yes, the dogs on a vegan diet thing made my eyes roll out of my head. He comes across as quite humourless.

The cars pretty much drive themselves these days. I find f1 boring that way.

MotoGP on the other hand........pretty much unknown but we have amazing UK talent racing. Thousands and thousands of supporters but it never makes the news and had about a 15 second mention during sports personality of the year.

Dogs can live on a vegan diet. Cats can't. He cares about animals. What a bastard.

Dogs can live on a vegan diet.

Indeed, and just to add, some are advised to remain on vegan diets for life, despite their meat-eating owners' considerable reservations about it.

Looks down at dermatologist-prescribed vegan dog lying on the floor right now

Lewis' dog is a bulldog. A breed highly prone to allergies. Allergies that can, and do, lead to a veterinary recommendation for a vegan life. Not saying that's why he did it (he is also vegan) but there you have it.

I'll just leave this here

So a heavy drinker and smoker who looks very 1970s (ie: following fashions of his time) v. A man following current fashions (even I don't like them myself) and using an environmental friendly way of getting around at the track?

I think you’re reaching a bit to say Lewis is following current fashion in that get up...😂

Could he's a woke twat bleating about the environment whilst whizzing around the world in a private jet to burn fuel at an alarming rate.

Hamilton has spoken quite eloquently about this in recent years, how his dad advised him to play the part Ron Dennis would want to see with short hair, smart clothes etc. I think Lewis is playing less and less of a role these days

I agree that Lewis has earned the right to be himself these days, but when he drove for McLaren, he was treated the same as their other drivers. They were all required to cut their hair and present what Ron considered to be a ‘professional’ sponsor-friendly image. Alonso was also required to get a buzz cut and be clean-shaven.
It was Ron who supported Lewis’s junior career, promoted him to F1 and when asked about employing the sport’s first black driver replied “ethnicity is irrelevant”.

@Bluntness100

I think you’re reaching a bit to say Lewis is following current fashion in that get up...😂

I admit it is not a fashion I would follow but nonetheless I suspect it would be seen as fashionable in some circles (I am astounded by what passes as high fashion but that is probably more style and beauty...)

Black people have to behave in a very particular way to be accepted, especially when they are successful

I think this is the crux of it.

Is that a picture of James Hunt oh yes he was a lovely guy

Yes, everyone employed by Ron Gets His Gravel Taken Away To Be Washed Dennis was held to particular standards. But it's disingenuous to pretend the impact of stuff like that is the same for Black people as for white. A simple example is the hair - yes, Fernando etc were required to have short, neat hair but any black man would only be able to achieve that with a buzz cut. They're European norms.

I also think the James Hunt/Lewis Hamilton photo above is pretty typical of the evolution of very rich men.