F1 Star Lewis Hamilton Faces Backlash: ‘Spoiled Child’ or Just Struggling?
In a stunning turn of events, seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has found himself at the center of a fierce controversy, being labeled a ‘spoiled child’ amid his ongoing struggles with Ferrari. The once-unstoppable force of the racing world appears to be unraveling after making the high-profile switch from Mercedes to Scuderia Ferrari, and critics are not holding back in their assessment of his performance.
Hamilton, a racing icon known for his unparalleled achievements, has recently displayed a noticeably dejected demeanor as he grapples with the challenges of his new team. As the summer break approached, the 40-year-old driver even hinted that he might need to step aside, a declaration that raised eyebrows and questions about his commitment. However, upon the return of the racing season, Hamilton has attempted to shift gears, focusing on rediscovering the joy in racing and adapting to the car he has been given for the latter part of the season.
But the clock is ticking, with just seven races left in the championship, and Hamilton is on the brink of experiencing the worst season of his illustrious career. After a brief moment of glory with a victory in the Chinese GP sprint race back in March, he has yet to make it to the podium in any grand prix this season. This marks a shocking departure from his track record of podium finishes in all his previous 18 seasons. Meanwhile, Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc has managed to secure five podiums across 17 races, a statistic that only magnifies Hamilton’s frustration and sense of urgency.
The criticism has not been confined to the racetrack. Former F1 driver Marc Surer has publicly lambasted Hamilton’s attitude, branding him as a ‘spoiled child’ who has consistently driven the best cars throughout his career. In an interview with Austrian motorsport magazine Vollgas, Surer expressed surprise at Hamilton’s current form, suggesting that the seasoned driver has struggled particularly alongside a formidable teammate like Leclerc. “I didn’t expect that,” Surer remarked. “On the other hand, he has already struggled alongside George Russell over the past two years. At Ferrari, he has a super fast teammate in Charles Leclerc.”
Surer did not hold back in his critique, asserting that Hamilton’s reliance on having the fastest car is a significant weakness. “If the car suits him, he wins races with ease,” he stated. “If he doesn’t have the fastest car, he gets into trouble. He’s not like Alonso, who can live with compromises.” This comparison to two-time champion Fernando Alonso underscores the mounting pressure on Hamilton as he attempts to navigate a tumultuous season.
As the world watches, Hamilton’s future in F1 remains uncertain. Will he be able to turn the tide and reclaim his former glory, or will he continue to struggle under the weight of expectations? The racing community waits with bated breath, eager to see if this legend can rise above the criticism and prove that he is more than just a ‘spoiled child’ behind the wheel.