Lewis Hamilton has never been one to hold back, and his latest comments make it clear that he refuses to be lumped in with other athletes as he reaches 40. The seven-time Formula One World Champion, who has spent years crafting a carefully curated public persona, made sure to remind everyone just how different he believes he is.
“Don’t ever compare me to anybody else. I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey. You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me. I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority.” – Lewis Hamilton via TIME.
The Weight of Hamilton’s Words
Hamilton’s remarks come at a time when longevity in sports is a growing discussion. Comparisons between athletes are nothing new, but Hamilton makes it clear that he sees himself as an exception. His status as the only Black driver in the sport’s history is something he frequently highlights, often positioning himself as a trailblazer fighting against an oppressive system.
The response to his statement has been mixed. Some fans praised Hamilton for standing firm in his views, while others found his approach off-putting. One user, @iamsar0sh, noted:
“The magnitude of his accomplishments as a Black driver in an elitist white sport is lost on most people. This reason alone makes Lewis a certified no matter what comes next.”
Meanwhile, critics questioned why race always seems to be at the center of his narrative. Some suggested he leans too heavily on identity politics instead of letting his achievements speak for themselves. Accusations of “playing the race card” followed, which is nothing new for Hamilton, who has frequently positioned himself as F1’s social justice figurehead.
Breaking Barriers or Playing the Game?
Hamilton’s achievements in F1 are undeniable—he holds the record for most Grand Prix wins, podium finishes, and pole positions. Yet, despite this, he often frames his legacy as one that comes with a constant struggle for respect, unlike his white counterparts.
As @theluxmagwebsite pointed out:
“Wow, the amount of comments saying Lewis is ‘playing the race card’ is very telling. Why shouldn’t he be able to state the fact that he is the first and only Black F1 driver? Why are you bothered that he says this?”
On the flip side, others argue that Hamilton has been given more than enough recognition but continues to push a narrative of victimhood, even as he enjoys a level of success and privilege few in motorsports ever attain.
The No-Family, No-Distractions Approach
Another aspect of Hamilton’s comments that raised eyebrows was his mention of not having a wife or children, as if that makes him superior to others who balance family life with a demanding career. This struck a nerve with fans, some of whom saw it as an unnecessary dig at other drivers who have managed to achieve success without needing to cut off personal relationships.
For Hamilton, though, this is part of his personal brand—an ultra-focused, single-minded pursuit of success. His upcoming move to Ferrari in 2025 suggests he still has unfinished business in F1, proving that his hunger for the spotlight is far from fading.
A New Era of Hamilton—Or Just the Same Playbook?
Hamilton’s latest comments suggest a shift—perhaps one where he’s finally done pretending to care about criticism and is fully leaning into his self-perceived status as an icon. For years, he has navigated FIA controversies, alleged discrimination, and what he sees as unfair treatment with a degree of grace. Now, he seems to be embracing a more unfiltered stance, doubling down on the rhetoric that keeps him in the headlines.
As @ovincetagram put it:
“I’m glad we’re finally seeing this side lmao. They were already talking this much sht when he was trying to be humble, so f** it.”
Whether fans like it or not, Hamilton clearly enjoys positioning himself as a one-of-a-kind figure. The question isn’t whether Hamilton should be compared to other 40-year-olds—it’s whether he will ever step away from making everything about himself.
