The Real Reason Lewis Hamilton Dons a Yellow Helmet, Carrying On Moving Tradition in 2022

Lewis Hamilton has a special place for a yellow helmet in his life. The helmet defines his roots and is symbolic of his beginning in the world of F1 through his karting days. While later on with Mercedes, he changed the helmet color to a classy black and purple; he is back to racing in yellow for this particular year.

The year 2021 was something the Knight wouldn’t like to reminisce about, surely. After a crushing last-minute world championship loss, fans expected him to come back stronger. However, who knew that Mercedes’ struggles could cost Hamilton an eighth world title this year as well.

Going back to his roots this year, several understand the reason now; why Hamilton has brought back his yellow helmet in 2022 too. But the actual real reason as to why Hamilton started using it, is known by few. In an interview from 2020, he revealed, “It is dangerous, and it is difficult for parents. You know when I first started my first helmet was red…these eight-year-olds are bumming…but from my dad would panic,”

“Because at the start of the race he would see all these cars drive down into and there’s often the crash at some point. And he couldn’t tell which one I was…and then when we finally got a new helmet..he painted it himself. I remember us sitting down. He’s like which color should we go for and he’s like, I want a bright color…”

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So, basically, Hamilton Sr.’s panic is the legend behind the yellow helmet. However, the family’s hard work paid off as the rest is history, where the Briton progressed through the ranks, making his way into F1.

Gayle King details a Lewis Hamilton race she watched with his mother

There was something else revealed in the same interview. Though Hamilton opened up about karting and racing being difficult for parents, his mother could handle the pressure of the dangerous sport.

Carmen Larbalestier just trusted her son. When Gayle King visited the paddocks to watch Hamilton race, the 37-year-old’s mother dealt with a few questions. Was she afraid? To King’s surprise, Hamilton’s mother actually banked on her son’s abilities impeccably. Larbalestier told her, “No because I know as his mom of course I’m worried but I know how good he is so I don’t spend time worrying about him in the car.” 

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So, what do you think? What do you have to say about Hamilton’s journey and his love for the yellow helmet?