Lewis Hamilton has a pull like no other driver in the F1 grid. Thanks to his numerous achievements on the track and breaking almost all illustrious records in apex motorsport.
Apart from racing, he is also a fashion icon. The Mercedes driver’s outfits generate interest like no other else in the paddock. That’s why the driver’s arrival on race weekends is widely anticipated.
As soon as the 7-time world champion arrives, fans and paparazzi all rush toward the driver. Everyone is waiting for an autograph, a selfie, or a perfect shot of the Mercedes driver.
An F1 fan claims watching the 38-year-old enter the F1 paddock during the 2023 Australian GP weekend was nothing less than that of a celebrity. Even the likes of Daniel Ricciardo or Max Verstappen did not come close to Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton is bigger than anybody else in F1, claims a fan
An Australian fan named Courtney Mangan narrated her experience watching Lewis Hamilton enter the F1 paddock. The fan claims there is no other driver or personality bigger than the Briton during race weekend.
The fan describes Hamilton as always surrounded by his security and staff at all times. Yet, there were no stopping fans from swarming around the racer. She stated on her Instagram story, “There is a massive difference between the celebrity of Lewis Hamilton and every other driver.”
Courtney said, “You knew when Lewis was in your vicinity because you could hear people. People were excited and bustling and people were rushing around. He was just bigger than everybody else.”
Fans could usually be seen cheering at the top of their lungs when Hamilton is around. The driver sometimes stops for a picture or signs an autograph which is enough to make their day.
For each race, the 7x champion has a special outfit. The driver is known to make the paddock his ramp walk by displaying his extravagant outfits. With each outfit and accessory ranging in tens of thousands of dollars, he brings a lot of attention from the paparazzi.
She added, “He (Lewis) had this presence around him that had hoards of people rushing towards him. Every other driver had people rushing towards them. But no driver had the level of attention Lewis had”
Ricciardo and Verstappen no match for Hamilton’s allure
The fan claims Lewis Hamilton could shroud any driver on the F1 grid with the pull he has. Even homegrown Daniel Ricciardo or 2x champion Max Verstappen did not command the same attention as the Briton did.
She said, “I thought people like Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo, who were famous because of ‘Drive To Survive’ were bigger celebrities. But it was still nothing compared to that of Hamilton.”
It took a moment for her to process how big Hamilton is. She added, “I guess the allure of being a 7-time world champion and one of the best sportsmen in the world was very captivating.”
Hamilton is also an inspiration to many. The Briton has charted many non-racing ventures to improve inclusivity and tackle racism. Such acts by him and his on-track success make him a star like no other driver.
