Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton polarizes opinion and might not get the recognition he deserves, but history will appreciate his greatness, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said on Friday.
The Briton has been making headlines with his criticism of former F1 drivers who commentate on races for Sky Sports.
“I feel all drivers deserve more credit and respect especially from the old ex-drivers that commentate,” Hamilton said on Instagram on Friday, returning to a grievance he first made after winning in the wet from 14th place in Germany last weekend.
Hamilton had earlier in the week said in another Instagram post that he subsequently deleted that “not a single one of them could find a good thing to say” about his performance at Hockenheim.
He said he deleted the comment when he heard more supportive remarks afterward.
Wolff told reporters at the Hungarian Grand Prix that Hamilton was “authentic,” wore his heart on his sleeve and was free to unwind as he saw fit — even if that was just staying at home to watch reruns of his race rather than celebrating.
“Positive headlines don’t sell any newspapers and don’t generate any clicks, and I think that he is a polarizing sportsman that sells papers,” the Austrian said.
“I just think that in the here and now, great achievements are never recognized in the way they should be recognized,” Wolff said. “In five or 10 years we will be looking back and saying we were part of an amazing driver’s journey that will fill books, but this is just the way it goes and I think he knows that.”
Even seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher was criticized at his peak for predictable victories that some said had turned the sport into “Formula Yawn.”
Hamilton on Thursday said he felt the commentators had missed key elements of the race, including just how much time he had been making up on Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel before the German crashed.
“It wasn’t being explained properly, the difference I was making, the different lines that I would choose,” Hamilton told reporters. “As we had former racing drivers commentating, I would have thought that they’d pick those things out, but they didn’t.”
Hamilton’s sensitivity about the subject surprised some, with the four-time world champion now in his 12th season in the sport and priding himself on his mental toughness.
His emotion and intensity at Hockenheim were also highlighted after his car broke down in qualifying.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely