Lewis Hamilton
Discussion
Trabi601 said:
The British Hamilton fans really do think he's a lot more important and significant than he is.
If he left tomorrow, would F1 miss him? - not at all. There's always someone else waiting to step up. Interest in the UK may wane a little, but globally, I doubt many would shed a tear.
I happened to be talking to a Merc F1 engineer a few weeks back and he was saying that a big problem with Hamilton is that he has become a global entity and the pull on his time and the fame he has now around the world makes it harder for him to devote as much time and energy to the main task in hand.If he left tomorrow, would F1 miss him? - not at all. There's always someone else waiting to step up. Interest in the UK may wane a little, but globally, I doubt many would shed a tear.
There seems to be two very distinct camps here. The haters have a view on his talent that differs entirely with the views of such as the team bosses (as the link shows), engineers, tv pundits, journalists and those who have steeped their lives in the sport.
heebeegeetee said:
I happened to be talking to a Merc F1 engineer a few weeks back and he was saying that a big problem with Hamilton is that he has become a global entity and the pull on his time and the fame he has now around the world makes it harder for him to devote as much time and energy to the main task in hand.
I think that's a reflection on how he and his management want him to be perceived - they're pumping time, money and effort into trying to make him some kind of superstar. Personally, I don't think it's working and if it's taking his attention away from F1, he's going to suffer a very big fall very soon. The *only* reason the big rap stars and his management are currently wanting to be seen with him is that he's an F1 star. If he stops winning, his band of managed followers will suddenly be seen in other garages where there's a more positive association to be made.Trabi601 said:
I think that's a reflection on how he and his management want him to be perceived - they're pumping time, money and effort into trying to make him some kind of superstar. Personally, I don't think it's working and if it's taking his attention away from F1, he's going to suffer a very big fall very soon. The *only* reason the big rap stars and his management are currently wanting to be seen with him is that he's an F1 star. If he stops winning, his band of managed followers will suddenly be seen in other garages where there's a more positive association to be made.
There's been F1 stars around for a long time for people to follow so that doesn't explain the interest in him. I'm not sure what form a very big fall could take - will he not be a triple wdc in the future?Personally I think the immense interest in him is because he's not an identikit stamped-out-the-mould middle class white kid.
Trabi601 said:
heebeegeetee said:
I happened to be talking to a Merc F1 engineer a few weeks back and he was saying that a big problem with Hamilton is that he has become a global entity and the pull on his time and the fame he has now around the world makes it harder for him to devote as much time and energy to the main task in hand.
I think that's a reflection on how he and his management want him to be perceived - they're pumping time, money and effort into trying to make him some kind of superstar. Personally, I don't think it's working and if it's taking his attention away from F1, he's going to suffer a very big fall very soon. The *only* reason the big rap stars and his management are currently wanting to be seen with him is that he's an F1 star. If he stops winning, his band of managed followers will suddenly be seen in other garages where there's a more positive association to be made.But given his lack of focus, it's amazing the resounding answer from team bosses, when asked who they thought drove the best; was Hamilton. You just can't accept it; many here can't - it's funny to watch. Some posters here clutch at straws - use reasons that can be applied to any driver on the grid - In the face of professionals saying that they think LH is the class act of the year. An opinion from someone biased beyond rationale - or a little slow on the uptake - is indeed an opinion; but when the whole paddock disagrees and said person keeps trying. And trying... - then it's party time down at 'whack-a-troll' HQ. I will continue to follow this thread with amusement...
It's like shooting fish in a barrel. With a machine gun. And a grenade. And maybe some laser beams.
heebeegeetee said:
There's been F1 stars around for a long time for people to follow so that doesn't explain the interest in him. I'm not sure what form a very big fall could take - will he not be a triple wdc in the future?
Personally I think the immense interest in him is because he's not an identikit stamped-out-the-mould middle class white kid.
No, he's completely different.Personally I think the immense interest in him is because he's not an identikit stamped-out-the-mould middle class white kid.
The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden (substitute here any large town in that general area) bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
Trabi601 said:
heebeegeetee said:
There's been F1 stars around for a long time for people to follow so that doesn't explain the interest in him. I'm not sure what form a very big fall could take - will he not be a triple wdc in the future?
Personally I think the immense interest in him is because he's not an identikit stamped-out-the-mould middle class white kid.
No, he's completely different.Personally I think the immense interest in him is because he's not an identikit stamped-out-the-mould middle class white kid.
The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
You manage electrical goods stores; and wannabe gangsta find a way to fame. Brilliant. Envy is a real cross to bear I guess.
Trabi601 said:
heebeegeetee said:
There's been F1 stars around for a long time for people to follow so that doesn't explain the interest in him. I'm not sure what form a very big fall could take - will he not be a triple wdc in the future?
Personally I think the immense interest in him is because he's not an identikit stamped-out-the-mould middle class white kid.
No, he's completely different.Personally I think the immense interest in him is because he's not an identikit stamped-out-the-mould middle class white kid.
The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden (substitute here any large town in that general area) bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
You manage electrical goods stores; and wannabe gangsta finds a way to fame. Brilliant. Envy is a real cross to bear I guess.
LDN said:
And here we get to the crux - nothing to do with his driving talent or his work ethic... Wow. Job is officially jobbed. We can expose you one at a time. It's whack-a-troll season.
You manage electrical goods stores; and wannabe gangsta find a way to fame. Brilliant. Envy is a real cross to bear I guess.
Oh dear. Have I upset his biggest fan?You manage electrical goods stores; and wannabe gangsta find a way to fame. Brilliant. Envy is a real cross to bear I guess.
I don't manage electrical goods stores. The hint there is 15 or so years back...
Back then, the whole of Hertfordshire and the surrounding area appeared to want to be 'gangsta' - Lewis is just one of those kids who has found fame. I just find it all hugely amusing. Even Tim Westwood appears more authentic.
Anyway, it's all down to his management. I'd wager not a single person on PH knows who he really is - all we get is a very carefully stage managed image from a big marketing operation.
His friends, who he's seen with, his 'relationships', his dog, everything is being stage managed to the nth degree.
If he has a few bad seasons, just watch how quickly the entourage will deplete.
Trabi601 said:
No, he's completely different.
The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
Well, whatever you do, just be careful you don't give him any credit for making it to the top.The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
I do also recall that another thing that surprised many who met him was his good manners, indeed I heard Nicole say so in an interview. Again though, I reckon there's a gulf between those who know him and those who have probably never spent 1 minute in the company of any top sportsman ever.
Trabi601 said:
LDN said:
And here we get to the crux - nothing to do with his driving talent or his work ethic... Wow. Job is officially jobbed. We can expose you one at a time. It's whack-a-troll season.
You manage electrical goods stores; and wannabe gangsta find a way to fame. Brilliant. Envy is a real cross to bear I guess.
Oh dear. Have I upset his biggest fan?You manage electrical goods stores; and wannabe gangsta find a way to fame. Brilliant. Envy is a real cross to bear I guess.
I don't manage electrical goods stores. The hint there is 15 or so years back...
Back then, the whole of Hertfordshire and the surrounding area appeared to want to be 'gangsta' - Lewis is just one of those kids who has found fame. I just find it all hugely amusing. Even Tim Westwood appears more authentic.
Anyway, it's all down to his management. I'd wager not a single person on PH knows who he really is - all we get is a very carefully stage managed image from a big marketing operation.
His friends, who he's seen with, his 'relationships', his dog, everything is being stage managed to the nth degree.
If he has a few bad seasons, just watch how quickly the entourage will deplete.
You have 'envy' written all over your face pal.
heebeegeetee said:
Trabi601 said:
No, he's completely different.
The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
Well, whatever you do, just be careful you don't give him any credit for making it to the top.The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
I do also recall that another thing that surprised many who met him was his good manners, indeed I heard Nicole say so in an interview. Again though, I reckon there's a gulf between those who know him and those who have probably never spent 1 minute in the company of any top sportsman ever.
He may be polite, he may be a pretty decent guy in real life - if he is, he should shoot his management, as they've created an unlikable a
hole to feed their own greed.LDN said:
Far from his biggest fan. And far from being upset
You have 'envy' written all over your face pal.
Why does it always come down to 'envy'?You have 'envy' written all over your face pal.
He's a great driver, but he's also the biggest a
hole on the grid when he's out of the car.If and when he's in a position where he's not winning, he'll be dropped like a hot potato. Nobody needs an arse who's fighting for midfield points.
Trabi601 said:
LDN said:
Far from his biggest fan. And far from being upset
You have 'envy' written all over your face pal.
Why does it always come down to 'envy'?You have 'envy' written all over your face pal.
He's a great driver, but he's also the biggest a
hole on the grid when he's out of the car.If and when he's in a position where he's not winning, he'll be dropped like a hot potato. Nobody needs an arse who's fighting for midfield points.
Trabi601 said:
No, he's completely different.
The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden (substitute here any large town in that general area) bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
Berk.The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden (substitute here any large town in that general area) bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
I read the 'trying to be Gangsta' comments as mild racism. Hamilton is a black guy who identifies himself as a black man who happens to race in F1. He isn't trying to be anything. A lot of white folk just don't get it and what is it to us anyway? He has done more for F1 than any other drivers bar Jackie Stewart in terms of positive global exposure. The amount of late teen and early 20's females who have some interest in F1 thanks to Hamilton is partly down to Hamilton embracing his black identity and through that his associations. I only see this as a great thing for F1 fans and F1 in general.
He has a great lifestyle and is great to watch. Some people are never happy and I'm sure the same people who claim Damon Hill was a boring fart are the same ones who claim Hamilton is 'too gangsta'. It's not like he crashes into his main competitor on purpose to win a title and forces no.2 status on his team mate.
p.s. For the record, I think Damon was brilliant and the '97 Hungarian GP was one of my favourite and heartbreaking moments in F1.
He has a great lifestyle and is great to watch. Some people are never happy and I'm sure the same people who claim Damon Hill was a boring fart are the same ones who claim Hamilton is 'too gangsta'. It's not like he crashes into his main competitor on purpose to win a title and forces no.2 status on his team mate.
p.s. For the record, I think Damon was brilliant and the '97 Hungarian GP was one of my favourite and heartbreaking moments in F1.
Trabi601 said:
No, he's completely different.
The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden (substitute here any large town in that general area) bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
Wow. So because he likes and creates rap music, wears gold and diamonds, spends a significant amount of time living in the US and hangs out with American musicians and models (which is an accent that easily rubs off on you), that means he wants to be 'gangsta'?The son of an IT Contractor from Middle England who has a false American accent and wants to be 'gangsta', despite being from one of the most middle class, middle England backgrounds you could possibly have.
I used to manage Dixons stores in that general area about 15 years back - the number of Harpenden (substitute here any large town in that general area) bred youth pretending to be 'gangsta' was laughable. Lewis is nothing more than one of those who has managed to find a route to fame.
Or is it because he does all of those things, but also happens to be black?
The 1950s called - they want their views back.
Trabi601 said:
Why does it always come down to 'envy'?
He's a great driver, but he's also the biggest ahole on the grid when he's out of the car.
If and when he's in a position where he's not winning, he'll be dropped like a hot potato. Nobody needs an arse who's fighting for midfield points.
I'll have to ask again: How do you know? Those are quite strong personal statements and I'm interested in how or why you've come to that conclusion. He's a great driver, but he's also the biggest a
hole on the grid when he's out of the car.If and when he's in a position where he's not winning, he'll be dropped like a hot potato. Nobody needs an arse who's fighting for midfield points.
Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff