Marko Hanželic
Lewis Hamilton is a polarizing Formula 1 champion, and not just since he was British advocated for anti-racist movement. With the many signs of approval he gets from his fans, he often does too the target of sharp criticism.
Head of the Mercedes team Toto wolff is aware of: "If you express your opinion and you are a public figure, you will always be polarized." In an interview with The Guardian the Viennese explained that Hamilton had not been burdened by such matters for a long time. “Lewis has been at the very top of this sport for over 10 years. He knows how to deal with attacks on him or criticism and learn something from them, but he has certainly also learned not to let such things linger in his soul. ”
Wolff one hundred percent supports Hamilton with regard to its demands that Formula 1 begin to deal more effectively with racism in their ranks. Also because he knows he was Hamilton I am often a victim of racism.
“If you are an eight-year-old child who is insulted by other competitors and those present on the track because of the color of your skin, imagine the scars that such a thing leaves. We, as middle-aged white men, can never put ourselves in the position of a racially abused person. So I was always very open to his opinion and judgment. "
Because in the last 60 years not much has changed, now is the time to "We use our own voice in a more polarizing way in the hope that we can bring about change by confronting all actors in this way.". Hamilton plays a pioneering role in these efforts.
"Lewis has been one of the leading and most recognized people in Formula One for some time." he says Wolff: “There are not many such personalities. He is like a lightning rod as he has a heart on his tongue and honestly expresses his opinion. This is exactly what we need. We need strong personalities, we need opinions. ”
The head of the Mercedes team highlights one feature that, in his opinion separates Hamilton as a driver and as a person from its competitors: "One of the things that inspires me the most is his ability to continually develop personally."
“A racer who can adapt to any new car and adapt his driving style to this is always at an advantage. And that's an ability that only a few racers have, ” he says Wolff. “Lewis thinks similarly in relation to himself. It develops, analyzes its weaknesses and strengths. Always focusing on improving yourself. ”
