FORUMula1.com

[f1ea]

Ahhh Peter Sauber. A very welcome addition to the Lewis Dissenters Club
Fernando Alonso is the honorary president and spokesperson

[45thronin]

Personally, I like Hamilton. My favorites are Hamilton and Massa. I think these two drivers are the best in the business. I have been watching F1 for quite some time now, and have to admit that I believe Hamilton is an amazing driver. I wish him the best. I can't for the life of me figure out why people hammer this kid so much. I unfortunately for the first time in F1 history, am ashamed for the F1 community. Because not only is it not congratulating someone for his many accomplishments, but is wishing him ill will on the track. For the first time, I think we are starting to see the true colors of the F1 fan. And I must say, that I question it's integrity.

Is this an unbiased sport? I wonder. I give credit where credit is due. I want to see one of you guys get out there, in one of the fastest cars on the planet, and just place! The heck with coming in first or second, but just place! I used to do some open wheel racing, and I have to say, it's one of the most aggressive of the cars to drive. You can flick it around the track like a fly, and it is extremely dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Lewis Hamilton not only placed in his first year on the track, but could possibly go home with the championship after this years races are complete. I'm sorry, but I have to give the guy respect and credit for his accomplishments.

It takes someone with a pair of iron one's, to get into that car, strap in, start that baby up, and slap your foot down on the medal, go firing through the other pack of rocket fueled monsters on the road, and not only place, but come in first. I'm sorry fans, but that's just amazing! And as far as I'm concerned, if it wasn't for Hamilton, Massa would be the only one leading the pack. Yes, I've heard the arguments about Kimi, but I'm sorry people, he's just not cutting it.

I say keep your head down Hamilton, and do what you do best. I wish you the best of luck.

At the end of the day I think all these drivers are amazing, my own personal opinions aside. I just hope people start giving credit where credit is due. Because guys like Hamilton, Massa, and people that go out on that track to win, for the love of the sport, and not just the F1 lifestyle like many other drivers, are what make this sport so amazing. I just hope F1 fans would be willing to put their own personal opinions aside and support the best driver on the track. No matter what their background is, where they're from, and what they look like. Because I have to say, it is interesting that Hamilton is getting so much flack, and he happens to be a man of color. In that sense, it doesn't shock me that the racing community is so hard on him, because of typically how the racing community is in that sense. And I think for those people that are making those comments specifically because of his makeup, should be ashamed of themselves. Not that I am assuming any of the F1 fans are of that makeup. Although I do find it fascinating, that for as long as I've been an F1 fan, I have never seen so many people ganging up on one of the best drivers on the track. Call me crazy, but that's kind of odd.

Again, go hop in a little indie car and whomp on it around the track. I think you'll see just how difficult it is. Needless to say a full blown F1 racer. Which makes what Hamilton and Massa can do, consistently every race, so absolutely amazing.

No offense to any F1 fans, these are just my humble opinions.

-45thronin

[juggles]

I think you're missing the point of the criticism. I'm a Hamilton fan because he's just a joy to watch on the track, and because he's a Brit. The reason he gets so much stick is because a lot of people see him as arrogant and outspoken; I think this is over the top, and he's actually a good-hearted guy, but many seem to disagree. Either way, he's not criticised for what he does on the track, but what he does off it.

I'm sure race doesn't come into it, and I also don't think you should unconditionally support someone because they're 'the best.' That goes against the whole idea of being a fan of a particular driver or team.

No one is arguing that he's a fantastic driver. They just don't like his personality. But there's some truth in what you say in that loads of people would take any opportunity to have a dig at Lewis, where they wouldn't if it were another driver. Still, I guess that's the resentment that talent and success breeds. Admittedly he could be more understated about it, but I think he gets a lot more criticism than he deserves.

It's also worth pointing out that a lot of people here are hardcore F1 fans. And it's become quite an 'in' thing to do to slag off Lewis, probably because he's attracted a whole new set of race fans in the UK; by slagging him off you're setting yourself apart from the rest. Just a suggestion as to why there's so much hatred of Hamilton here. Probably doesn't make sense, but it did at the time of typing.

[45thronin]

Thanks so much for the comments juggles, I appreciate your perspective and agree. Thanks!

[McLaren Fan]

I think you're missing the point of the criticism. I'm a Hamilton fan because he's just a joy to watch on the track, and because he's a Brit. The reason he gets so much stick is because a lot of people see him as arrogant and outspoken; I think this is over the top, and he's actually a good-hearted guy, but many seem to disagree. Either way, he's not criticised for what he does on the track, but what he does off it.

I'm sure race doesn't come into it, and I also don't think you should unconditionally support someone because they're 'the best.' That goes against the whole idea of being a fan of a particular driver or team.

No one is arguing that he's a fantastic driver. They just don't like his personality. But there's some truth in what you say in that loads of people would take any opportunity to have a dig at Lewis, where they wouldn't if it were another driver. Still, I guess that's the resentment that talent and success breeds. Admittedly he could be more understated about it, but I think he gets a lot more criticism than he deserves.

It's also worth pointing out that a lot of people here are hardcore F1 fans. And it's become quite an 'in' thing to do to slag off Lewis, probably because he's attracted a whole new set of race fans in the UK; by slagging him off you're setting yourself apart from the rest. Just a suggestion as to why there's so much hatred of Hamilton here. Probably doesn't make sense, but it did at the time of typing.

That's a good post. 45thronin, with all due respect, his misunderstood what it is that people don't like about Hamilton. Personally, I think he can be a bit cocky at times, but, even so, some people twist his words and exaggerate them to make him sound evil. Let's also remember, a lot of what he says is either true or exactly what other people are thinking but are too afraid to say. Everybody is looking for a bad guy so they can feel good about themselves. Some of the flak that Hamilton gets is deserved, but much of it is just a crock of s***. I put a lot of it down to jealousy.

[darwin dali]

Either way, he's not criticised for what he does on the track, but what he does off it.

Oh really?
Have you not seen drivers criticizing his driving of late???

[McLaren Fan]

Either way, he's not criticised for what he does on the track, but what he does off it.

Oh really?
Have you not seen drivers criticizing his driving of late???

They have criticised his driving not because they have genuine issues with it but because they are jealous. Take Alonso, for instance. He criticised Hamilton for his pass on Raikkonen in Belgium and gave a holier-than-thou lesson on what Hamilton should have done. Alonso, of course, forgot his own little incident at the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix.

[racechick]

Either way, he's not criticised for what he does on the track, but what he does off it.

Oh really?
Have you not seen drivers criticizing his driving of late???

They have criticised his driving not because they have genuine issues with it but because they are jealous. Take Alonso, for instance. He criticised Hamilton for his pass on Raikkonen in Belgium and gave a holier-than-thou lesson on what Hamilton should have done. Alonso, of course, forgot his own little incident at the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix.

Yes, did you hear Lauda's take on that? he was disgusted with the penalty and when asked why other drivers were not sympathetic to lewis he laughed and replied " because they are in competition with him and will gain an advantage anyway they can. Also they are jealouse"

[darwin dali]

I don't care about your assumptions about the drivers' motivation to criticize LH. I am simply refuting juggles' claim that "he's not criticised for what he does on the track, but what he does off it."

[racechick]

I don't care about your assumptions about the drivers' motivation to criticize LH. I am simply refuting juggles' claim that "he's not criticised for what he does on the track, but what he does off it."

It wasnt my assumption it was Nikki Lauda's.

[darwin dali]

Sorry, I was responding to the original response to my post, i.e., McLaren Fan's post.

[McLaren Fan]

Sorry, I was responding to the original response to my post, i.e., McLaren Fan's post.

Like I say, Hamilton has been criticised ostensibly for his driving.

[EwanM]

Sorry, I was responding to the original response to my post, i.e., McLaren Fan's post.

Like I say, Hamilton has been criticised ostensibly for his driving.

Maybe he should try his luck at fishing...?

[45thronin]

From what I've been hearing, I have to go with jealousy with regards to Lewis Hamilton. That's the only thing I can see playing out over and over.

I have no problem with his cockiness off the track. I think he's earned the right to strut. And if people are jealous, then it's time to step up their game. Which is another reason why I like the kid. He's forced everyone around him to step it up, simply by not just going along with the status quo. Good for you Lewis! This is about RACING! Nothing more, nothing less. And if you're too damn slow, get the heck out of the way. Period!

The only other guy who has been ABLE to step it up, and I take my hat off too him, is Massa. Massa has responded to Lewis's efforts by equaling his passion. Good for you Massa. But that doesn't make Lewis a bad person in any way. Actually, I think he's brought some life to this sport. Woke a few people up, including Alonso and Kimi. Not to take away from their past accomplishments, but it's time to wake up from the nap gentlemen and get back into the game. The problem is, these guys have been sitting back on the praise they've been givin over the years, they are actually SHOCKED with what's going on with Hamilton. And Alonzo is witness to that.

As much as I turn my back on Kimi, I have to give Kimi credit. He may not have been able to step it up like Massa has, but I will say it seems like he's at least trying. Moreso than anybody else on the track. But I still believe Kimi has had his day, and now it's time to just get out of the way.

What makes a champion, is not just the consistent wins you receive. But how you're challenged to get those wins. Your competition MAKES you great. How consistent you are and flexible a driver you are, is what makes you great. What makes Hamilton amazing, is dry or wet, this kid is ferocious! Passionate, bold, with a pair of steel one's! What makes Massa great, is when the conditions are right, you can, not, catch the man! Period! Many have tried! When a few drops of water hit the tarmac, Kimi is like a dear in the headlights. I truthfully believe that if it wasn't for Hamilton giving Massa such a run for the gold, Massa might not be showing just how good he is, for a variety of reasons, including Ferrari's politics.

I heard so many people in a variety of forums sing Kimi's name, over shadowing Massa. And I have to look at these people and say, "Have you been WATCHING the races? It isn't Kimi placing all this time with Hamilton, it's MASSA! And you're saying Kimi should be backed? HA!"

And as for Alonzo. Alonzo, dude, wake up! Your ego got smacked when Hamilton trounced you. Suck it up, be a man, shake the dudes hand, and get back into the game! Be a professional, Alonzo, for just 5 mins. bro! Who knows, Hamilton may be kind enough to give you a few pointers.

I think the thing I love overall about Hamilton. Is he doesn't give a rats butt about the other drivers. He's not going to be bullied, pushed around, or go in a corner and cry just because you don't like him. His goal is too drive the car, and win! Period! And I just love that! So what he doesn't want to play the politics, good for him! Anything else that people hold regarding this guy, is simply pure jealousy. Grow up!

So what the kid (Hamilton) is cocky, or I should say "confident". Good for him! If he's loving what he does and is a little over spirited, good for him! I have a pretty good feeling, that if you were one of the leading guys in the F1 race for the championship, you'd be pretty jacked too!

But I don't hear people giving Kimi comments about his attitude when he was at the top of his game, or Alonzo. Oh no, speaking of walking on water, these guys wrote the BOOK on it! So now Hamilton has to be whollier than though, just because he's a newbee? No, the heck with that. You get what you give. And if it means you don't like the guy because he's not going to be humble off the track, and be the little man who feels so deserved just to be on the same roadway as Kimi and Alonzo, then so be it! If you don't respect the guy, I honestly don't think he gives a rat spit. And you know what? Good for him! This isn't a popularity contest, this is RACING!!!! The only thing I can see that Hamilton really cares about, at his core, is getting around the guy in front of him. And good for him, because that's his job!!!! And he does it quite well thank you.

Less we forget, we are not talking about go-karts, or skiing, or even drag racing. We are talking about guys corning at 190mph, coming to practically a dead stop around the next bend, and then jacking it up again for the straight away! Guys who jump in these Rubber Wheeled Tie-fighters, and basically assault their bodies for 56 laps. Guys who start up these 900 horse power monsters, and slam their foot through the floor around every corner. I don't know about you, but to do that consistently, lap after lap, with a dozen other cars chasing you down at all costs. For someone to do that in 110 degree weather, ... and WIN!!!!! I feel should allow them to be as cocky as they damn well please.

Again, just my humble opinions.

[Mikep99]

Admire his driving, but that's about it.

The walk on water crap just does not cut it with me.



You earn respect.
Would he give a Sh!t No. But neither do I