What I find interesting is how much Hamilton's popularity has changed in the past year or so. He has gone from not being especially well liked by quite a few, to being liked by quite a few, and instead Rosberg's image has taken a massive nosedive. He can thank Rosberg for that Surprised how he has conducted himself on the racetrack. I thought it would be Lewis carrying out the rash moves. Really hope Lewis wins the championship as Rosberg has made it personal and gone beyond his means.
I just think it's more down to the type of supporter Lewis attracts. You have the knowledgable type who support him as they support the sport, regardless of his success and potentially the other supporters who just appear only when he is either successful or likely to be.
Yeah I'm aware some people do not like him, and some of those quite irrationally too. But you've got fans from other country's cheering him now and booing Rosberg. I very much doubt that would have happened a year. Also people I bump into on forums now want Hamilton to win as a result of Rosberg's perceived cheating. There is a definite reduction in anti-Hamilton comments I read - although maybe not on here. I don't go on the F1 forums here too much. Personally I've always liked Hamilton. He's a racer and where's his heart on his sleeve - like a lot of the legendary driver used to.
I dont irrationally dislike him. He is just the rival just like other drivers in the past such as Senna and schumacher for me. Other than that I have full respect for him
I think Hamilton's "well branded" towards younger fans, and combined with his status of top British driver, he's going to get quite a lot of support from more casual fans too. That's not by any means to suggest all Hamilton fans are 13 year olds who've only just got into the sport, there's plenty of other reasons to support a driver, but I think he corners that market much better than anyone else. Personally, any dislike of Hamilton came from his "spoilt brat years" where he seemed to get into the wrong frame of mind, crash into Massa at any opportunity, and make stupid, sulky comments in the press. For me that overshadowed his excellent early years where he was the new kid on the block, taking everyone by surprise and being overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity he was given. More recently he's won back a lot of respect from me for having a much better attitude, racing hard but fairly, and being screwed over by some pretty poor luck. I wouldn't call myself a supporter of him, but I respect him as much as the other top, top drivers on the grid, and really enjoy watching him race.
Hamilton doesn't help himself in regards to how people perceive him. He's prone to making dumb comments every now and again, some of which backfire and leave a little egg on his face. He clearly likes his job, and i wish he'd show that side more often, if he can come back across as the enthusiastic hungry guy he was in 07,08 and most of 09, then doubters would warm to him more. I'm pretty neutral to him, i neither like nor dislike him, i'd rather Nico win the title as i slightly prefer him
There are times where he pisses me off to no end, there are times when he acts like a total idiot and I just want to play the father figure and have a word in his shell... But I do like his racing. That's what does it for me. I just like the way he drives. That said... I am fast becoming a Riccaredolot... because I love his racing and he just has a superb attitude. You just can't fault the guy at all.
I can totally understand that... He's not everybody's cup of tea. It just drives me potty when it has to descend to out and out hate, which isn't on no matter which driver it is... unless he's called Piquet, then you can fling as much mud as you like.
Should I take that as an insult or a compliment? It's so hard say when people work in innuendo and hyperbole.
The drivers title race may have evened out recently but the WCC could be claimed this weekend! The magic gap is **215** (4 x 1st + 2nds (yes and the double points)) Mercedes currently maintain a gap of 174 so all they need to do is score 41 points more than red bull. a 1-2 is 43 points tough call :S
Oh yer forgot about.... Please hold while I correct Edit. That's better. Though more harder to achieve
