Hamilton unrepentant over no-show in London
Lewis Hamilton has struck back defiantly at criticism of his non-appearance at this week’s Formula One Live event in central London, claiming that a two-day holiday in Greece was the better preparation for Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
His failure to attend the spectacle in Trafalgar Square, orchestrated by F1 owners Liberty Media, has proved a public-relations nightmare. Hamilton was the only one of 20 drivers not to lend his services, instead flying a group of friends by private jet for a break on the island of Mykonos. When his name was read out on stage, it was booed.
Hamilton’s choice not to turn up seemed at odds with his frequent statements about the importance of establishing rapport with fans, but he insisted it was the correct one after two draining races in Azerbaijan and Austria, where he has finished off the podium.
“Everyone had the right to make the decision for themselves,” he said. “I feel that it has been a pretty intense season so far and that this was the best way for me to prepare. The season is the most important thing for me – that’s it. I do try to connect with the fans. I think that I engage as much as I can. Fans mean everything. They always have.”
The triple world champion, who has a chance to emulate Jim Clark’s streak of four straight British Grand Prix victories this weekend, maintained his bond with Silverstone is as strong as ever. “I love this race,” he said. “Every season for the past 10 years, it has been incredible. You get people who have saved up so much to come to this grand prix and you will see how much I appreciate and respect that.”
Hamilton also categorically denied allegations that he had requested payment for any part in the London festivities. Unrepentant, he argued: “Ultimately, we have decisions to make and we have to stand firm, to feel proud of those decisions. I will give everything to shine as much light on Silverstone and raise the flag in the best way I can. The goal is to win. I’ve been fortunate in the last few years to do that.”
Hamilton trails Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel by 20 points in the title race and leads Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas by just 15. His race in Baku was scuppered by a loose headrest that forced him into the pits, while in Spielberg last Sunday he suffered a five-place grid penalty and could only recover to fourth.