MATT JAMES AMES
“Lewis of old would have got in a huff”
Congratulations to Nico Rosberg on winning his seventh straight grand prix at the weekend. The German has stolen a huge march over the rest of the field – particularly reigning world champion Mercedes-benz team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
It now seems highly unlikely that Rosberg will be derailed in his bid for a first world title even at this early stage of the season – although it is ridiculous to think that he will go on to take victory in every race (yes, that is actually a bet that MN’S art editor Mike Stokoe has made...)
There were some incredibly silly conspiracy theories about Hamilton’s performances over the opening four races of the year. Some were suggesting that Mercedes had decided to put its eggs in to Rosberg’s basket this season and were deliberately turning down Lewis’s car. What utter balderdash. None of the people who were expounding that theory explained exactly why Mercedes-benz would do it?
But I think one the most noticeable things about the start to the season has been the reaction of Lewis Hamilton to his problems.
There has been no histrionics. There has been no back biting. There have been no recriminations coming from him.
Sure, he had a little pop at the officials in Sochi last weekend, but that was understandable.
But as for any car problems, Hamilton has remained pragmatic – and that hasn’t always been the way throughout his career.
A less mature (and less successful) Hamilton was prone to pushing the blame in various directions. He would stamp his feet and get in a huff. Not any more. The three-time champion has shrugged his shoulders, taken it on the chin and just says that he is looking forward to the next chance to avenge whatever problems he has suffered.
Hamilton has certainly not been to everyone’s tastes over his F1 career.
His flashy lifestyle and his grumpy demeanour when things have gone wrong mean that he has been hard to support.
But now, that Lewis seems to have disappeared and it has been replaced by a much more likeable character, which will only be to his benefit.
It will benefit him within the sport and also to the public at large. It is just a shame that it is in defeat that this aspect has been added to his personality.