The Formula One superstar was listed by Time as one of the “100 Most Influential People” in the world, yet he claims he owes his sport nothing. What is going on inside the head of Formula One’s most complex personality.
Since bursting onto the world stage in 2007 with McLaren in arguably the greatest debut season in Formula One history, the sport has given Lewis Hamilton fame and fortune – not to mention three world titles.
Yet the 31-year-old global icon insists he owes the sport f**k all. What could possibly be his reasoning behind such a claim? According to Hamilton, no one has done more to promote F1 across the globe than him.
“I’ve been here for 10 years — given my blood, sweat and tears for the sport. So, I don’t feel like I owe it anything, I actually probably promote the sport more than any other driver ever has. I’m at more events talking about Formula One more than any driver ever has — probably all the other drivers put together and more,” claimed Hamilton.
Hamilton has expressed his frustration in recent weeks about the way Formula One is run, saying he has no influence on the outcomes of rules and policy. Nor does he have any desire to take on a more influential role.
“Ultimately sport, business… it’s money and power. We [the drivers] will say stuff but ultimately it’s those people who are sitting in their chair, striking a pen, paying checks, making money, that will be the ones that [have the final say],” Hamilton said.
Sources inside the paddock claim Hamilton has been stressed recently with the shift in power that he has witnessed with teammate Nico Rosberg. Hamilton has been outclassed on the racetrack for six straight races, putting him in serious doubt to win the 2016 World Championship. Hamilton maintains that he’s in a good place psychologically, but a string of recent comments make this somewhat questionable.
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