I don’t think Nico Rosberg likes his new hat.. https://t.co/ur2l6REBNm
— MrFootyTips.net (@MrFootyTips)
October 25, 2015
Will we ever truly be able to one-day call Hamilton a national treasure, or will he forever be far too annoying to endear himself to the British public?
Here’s a watertight assessment of Lewis Hamilton, starting with his more admirable qualities.
His charity work
A clear +1 in the pros column. After finishing a grueling race in 90 per cent humidity, Hamilton would have been forgiven for insisting on boarding his champagne-laden private plane as quick as humanly possible.
However – despite no contractual obligations to do so – the then McLaren driver stayed on in India to volunteer his time and effort to visit deprived children in the country’s slums on behalf of Unicef.
“I’m staying here for a couple of days to do some work with Unicef in India,” Hamilton said. “I’m taking a flight tomorrow to an outskirts area to raise awareness of some of the hospitals out here and the malnutrition of some of the kids.
His generosity
Hamilton’s charitable activity includes work for Help for Heroes
Hamilton’s philanthropy is a part of his life that is often under-played – not by him of course.
Hamilton has used his considerable F1 earnings to financailly support no less than four charities: including Great Ormond Street hospital, Unicef, The Honeypot Chidlren’s Chairty and Children of Africa.
“I want to do more, helping charities, helping young kids,” Hamilton said on his philanthropic ambitions.
“I went to a Samuel L Jackson Foundation event the other day, and then a cancer charity event. It takes nothing out of our lives to help bring attention to these things.”
Another plus. Two points for Lewis!
His unarguable greatness
Hamilton has joined Prost and Schumacher in winning three world titles
British sporting champions are few and far between at the moment. Our national teams have fallen hopelessly short across recent World Cups in cricket, rugby and football. His third world championship victory means he now joins the great Jackie Stewart as the only British driver to hold three drivers championships.
Add another love point! Three in total, then. But…
Here’s a run-down of the more objectionable aspects of his character…
His tax-avoiding dwellings
Yacht problems
Hamilton resides in the tax haven of Monte Carlo having previously lived in Switzerland, which has a similarly relaxed attitude towards what rich people must do with their money. While it’s not uncommon for Formula One drivers in particular to take up residence in Monaco, Hamilton has been accused of forgetting his roots altogether.
When describing his hometown of Stevenage, called the Hertfordshire suburb “a not-so-great place”. There’s a nagging feeling that Hamilton doesn’t care a great deal for where he came from. That’s a clear minus in many people’s eyes.
His irritatingly glamorous life
Hamilton has become a permanent fixture at the world’s most exclusive fashion events
Hamilton has gone from humble go-karting prodigy to a bleach-blonde-haired fashionista. His Instagram page reads like a infinite timeline of boastful name-dropping.
Frim William Smith of Fresh Prince of Belair fame…
One of the most inspiring, genuine and wisest people you’ll ever meet. #WillSmith #miami #Legendary
A photo posted by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Oct 20, 2015 at 11:31am PDT
To Nicki Minaj…
@nickiminaj #AlexanderWang #NYFashionWeek
A photo posted by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Sep 13, 2015 at 12:13pm PDT
To Kanye of West…
Big bro@pascalduvier I see you! #AlexanderWang
A photo posted by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Sep 13, 2015 at 8:18am PDT
To disgraced hotel caretaker Jack Nicholson, Hamilton’s list of showbiz pals are as galling as they are impressive.
What an honour to hang with the incredible and legendary, Jack Nicholson!!
A photo posted by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Aug 16, 2015 at 12:26am PDT
A combination of distaste for overt bragging and outright jealousy means British sports fans prefer their heroes humble. Only David Beckham is able to enjoy an overtly high-end lifestyle while still receiving universal adoration. But it’s still 3-2 in Lewis’s favour.
His questionable musical aspirations
Hamilton is often caught hob-nobbing with showbiz friends
If there’s one thing that does not scream grounded, it’s tipping yourself for stardom in the world of hip-hop. Earlier this year Hamilton was reported to be in talks with rap-mogul Jay-Z over the potential for a future record deal. Now, we’re not suggesting there’s anything wrong with Hamilton’s musical ambitions, but we’ve had sportsmen switching codes to music before, and it didn’t end well for anybody:
Oh no! It’s 3-3.
His apparent lack of grace
Hamilton gets carried away in the post-race celebrations
This is the big one.
During his Formula One career Hamilton has fallen out with team-mates and rivals alike.
His relationship with fellow Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg is so fraught that the pair barely speak to each other, choosing instead to trade in petulant catty remarks. And hat-throws:
I don’t think Nico Rosberg likes his new hat.. https://t.co/ur2l6REBNm
— MrFootyTips.net (@MrFootyTips)
October 25, 2015
The former McLaren driver seems to find it impossible to win – or lose – with any morsel of grace. Even when things go swimmingly for the 30-year-old, he somehow manages to turn victory into scandal with his over-exuberant behaviour: almost spraying a podium hostess to death with champagne after his Chinese Grand Prix triumph in April.
A final look at the trait tally makes it 4-3 on the side of “NO, LEWIS”. Therefore, it’s still fine and correct to dislike Hamilton, despite his relentless winning.
The science behind this character assessment may be questionable, but what is definite is that Hamilton will continue to divide opinion, no matter how many world titles he adds to his Monte Carlo cabinet.