Lewis Hamilton Once Laid Bare the Bizarre F1 Restrictions Leading to Major Headache: “Is That My Problem?”

“Superstar”, “legend,” and all other adjectives that fall under the same category do an adequate job of capturing Lewis Hamilton‘s essence. Among all his ventures, Formula One is arguably the one where his peculiarities are most noticeable. In addition to becoming the only driver of color in F1, Hamilton is also the second-youngest driver in history to win the World Championship. Throughout his career, Hamilton has received criticism for his hair, earrings, and whatnot. Now, the Briton has almost become immune to the same and these things no longer matter to him. But, early in his career, the Mercedes ace was irritated with all the remarks and F1 limitations.

The seven-time winner is a committed athlete who is outspoken and has a loving attitude, but he is also a man whose mind has been trained so well that he ignores all the negativity surrounding him. Since his debut, the Mercedes driver has been a frequently discussed subject. In addition to being a racing driver, Lewis Hamilton is an institution in his own right that educates others around him about social injustice and how to stand up for oneself.

Back in 2020 during an interview with Gentlemen’s journal Hamilton said, “When I got into Formula One, I actually thought to myself: ‘Okay, you have to look this certain way, speak this certain way, present yourself the way these people want you to present yourself’. I couldn’t be me.” 

Later he revealed how he tackled all the F1’s restrictions, “I had comments on my hair. I had comments on my earrings. I had all these pressures. But I also had a choice: Did I listen to these people, do what they wanted me to do and be unhappy? Or did I just be myself? They might be unhappy with me  but is that my problem?”

READ MORE: F1 Old-Timer Lewis Hamilton Once Lashed Out at the “New Generation” Over On-Track Behavior

It makes little sense as to how Hamilton, being already so good at racing, can also excel at his other interests, especially ones he pursues so fervently.

Lewis Hamilton explains why he tries his hand at numerous things

When he is away from racetracks, Hamilton is also a creative person. He personally decorated his home, and each of his tattoos has a unique backstory. F1’s Billion Dollar Man enjoys music, and in 2018 he made his official debut as a featured artist in Christina Aguilera’s song Pipe, under the name XNDA. How Hamilton is able to complete each task perfectly truly astounds his followers.

When quizzed about the same, the Briton replied, “There’s just so much life outside of racing. And I love exploring those different elements of life. Maybe it comes back again to that feeling of not fitting in. As I say, I’ve had that feeling since I was at school. But I want to be against the grain. I’ve always been someone who doesn’t want to do what’s expected of me.”

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Hamilton has long been admired by young people. And that can be ironic in a sense that he is currently known for being one of the most experienced drivers who are still going strong. But do you link Lewis’s style? And who do you think should follow suit and walk in Hamilton’s footsteps when it comes to fashion?