My turn to publish an F1 related article in the local Mypaper 2 days back. I look at the how racism had affect Hamilton during his racing career.

I had the privilege of viewing a BBC documentary, “Lewis Hamilton: Billion Dollar Man” shortly after witnessing his ascension to the 2008 F1 world champion throne. Through this show, it seems to explain why the public reminds highly divided in their opinion of Hamilton.

Racism seems to be the very reason. Being the first ever black sportsman to race and win the world title, he has broken into the traditionally white-dominated motor racing world. Since childhood, he has been the subject of many racist taunts. In the show, young Hamilton talked about the urge for revenge when faced with such abuse from other karting participants. As he grew up, both Hamilton and his father, Anthony, chose to handle such discriminations in a more practical way: To focus on their racing performance.

This background explained his seemingly isolated world even after breaking into F1. Hamilton is probably one of the less popular drivers among his fellow professionals. Interestingly, he is also not a member of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). In any case, he probably does not see a need to. In a recent interview, he famously said, “I am not interested in playing cards with other drivers. My business is here to race.”

Even though he seems to be in a seemingly insular world, Hamilton has no lack of support. When faced with the pressures of the final race in Brazil, he gave a glimpse of the source of his strength and support. Many fans will notice the omnipresence of Hamilton’s half-brother Nicholas, who suffers from cerebral palsy, at most of his races. In the European races, he will count on the increased support of his extended family who will also be present. Hamilton’s racing career is a communal affair in this tightly-knitted family which forms the core of his support.

In the same documentary, Hamilton’s father, Anthony, mentioned that they would leave the circuit immediately once the karting race ended to minimize the chances for racial abuses to occur. Such mentality has probably been carried over to his F1 career. The lack of socializing with fellow drivers probably contributed to his unpopularity in the pitlane.

Popular or Professional Champion?

Even as many are coming to accept the dramatic manner in which Hamilton claimed his title, others have already begun speculating the possibility of him becoming another F1 legend. The term, “a great champion” is really just a relative measure.

Seven-time F1 world champion racer, Michael Schumacher is regarded by many as a great champion. However, just as there are many of his fans who swooned over his undoubted driving mastery, there is also a sizeable number of his detractors who questioned his sportsmanship. Loyal racing fans will remember in 1994 and 1997 where he intentionally collided with Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve respectively to cement his title. How great Schumacher is would depend on which fact one chooses to look at.

Personally, I remember Schumacher is a ruthless champion who, unfortunately, chose to win at all costs.  Similarly, Lewis Hamilton is now standing at a similar cross junction. His actions both on track and off track will decide if he will be remembered as a popular or professional champion. With racial discrimination stacked against him, the path to being a popular champion seems to be filled with obstacles.

I believe it would be ideal that he becomes a great professional champion which can be achieved primarily by forging closer ties with his fellow drivers. Off track, he should feel comfortable with improving social relationships with his fellow drivers. The highly professional F1 drivers conduct themselves in a manner that is vastly different from those Hamilton met in his formative years of racing. The drivers have collectively stood up against racism and in them; Hamilton will be able to find peer support.

On track, he has to control his aggression. In numerous occasions this year, several drivers have criticized him for several overly dangerous maneuvers. Hamilton has to balance aggression with eagerness when overtaking others to prevent his brilliance from being viewed otherwise.

Lewis Hamilton has sparkled progressively as the horsepower increased. I believe we will see more spectacular moments as Hamilton builds his legacy. Meanwhile, I hope fans can unite to embrace motor racing as a whole without being blinded by prejudicial preference.