Lewis Hamilton recently claimed the 2022 British Competition Driver of the Year award. Winning the award from Autosport for his achievements this year, Hamilton defeated the likes of George Russell, Lando Norris, and Tom Blomqvist. The final verdict, however, met with a lot of criticism from the fans.
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Even though Hamilton won the award, he hardly has anything to show for the 2022 season. The season was no less than “laughable” as per the fans. They are of the opinion that he was neither the best British driver on the grid this year, nor the best British driver on the team.
Having lost the championship fight to Max Verstappen long back, the Briton could not hold the dominant position in the team. Hamilton lost out to Russell as the new Mercedes recruit finished two positions ahead of the man from Stevenage.
Moreover, drivers like Norris, and Blomqvist were in the lineup as well. Blomqvist won 24 Hours of Daytona and the 2022 IMSA SportsCar Championship, but couldn’t make it in the end.
Fans react as they saw Lewis Hamilton receive the Autosport award
As soon as the news surfaced on the internet, fans were quick to let their feelings known. They took to the internet and shared their take on the award, especially being supportive of George Russell, who had an incredible first season at Mercedes.
Given below are some of the reactions taken from Twitter.
Laughable. He didn't win a single race last year. Even his teammate at Mercedes won one!
The 2022 British Competition Driver of the Year is @LewisHamilton 💪 #AutosportAwards #Autosport
How did @tom_blomqvist not win this one? Daytona Winner and IMSA Winner. What’s even the point of nominating non F1 drivers?
This is funny. His team mate, in the same car and as we now know being given the same amount of new parts to test beats (properly beat, none of this scored the same points nonsense) a 7 x WDC in his first season at the team yet Hamilton is deemed to have had a better season?🤣🤣
Hamilton, who could not attend the award ceremony, conveyed, “I’m sorry I can’t be there with you in person tonight. But I wanted to say a huge thank you to Autosport readers and to the fans and to Autosport in general.”
George Russell had a better year, imo
How did George Russell not win this one? First victory in F1 career, better classified in terms of points and wins in 2022 WC comparing to Hamilton with the same car. Any more?
Not even the best British driver on his team 😭
I'm a lewis fan but george did a better overall job this year
For the first time in his career, Hamilton finished an entire season without a win. With just nine podiums to his name, the seven-time world champion finished 35 points behind his teammate, a rare incident that happened for the first time since 2016.
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Did Lewis deserve the award?