I always find it amusing how Lewis uniquely is always judged in his rookie year and since against the most experienced guys at their peak...
Though there is some amount of truth in that; you might take into consideration that in his first year,
his fans/employers declared that Hamilton was the best thing to happen to F1 in a long time, that he
would be breaking any and all records ever set by anyone ever.
Usually, when someone is set on a pedestal, there will be those lining up to knock them off.
Sad; but, true!
But he was, there is quantifiable and irrefutable proof that he increased global interest, he is the most reported about driver, he has been one of the most bankable marketing draws each year.
You are right though, the only thing he hasn't done is to win the WDC each year since, and that has allowed him to be dragged down to mere mortal level.
However he has played the game and is now in the type of set up he needs to fulfill his promise. F1 isn't about talent alone as he found out at Mclaren, its about playing the game like MS did and he has done this incredibly well, maybe luck but possibly not.
And he is oncourse to be a global brand after F1, which would break the mould, something even MS did not do.
Lewis, Merc and a few WDC and WCCs and you can forget about your Beckhams and Tigers and Bolts.
Ofcourse he needs the titles in a row, just like he needs a few wins in a row from Spa. I already put some money on this at ridiculously long odds
