Wolff: No issue for Hamilton to be polarising with messaging
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff says there is no issue with Lewis Hamilton being polarising in order to speak out about important issues and use his platform
Hamilton wrapped up his seventh F1 world championship in Turkey last weekend, equalling Michael Schumacher's all-time record with three races to spare in the 2020 season.
It came after a year that has seen Hamilton find his voice and use his platform on issues such as racial equality and improving diversity within motorsport, something he said is more significant than his on-track achievements.
Hamilton set up The Hamilton Commission earlier this year in a bid to improve diversity in racing, and regularly uses his social media platforms with over 27 million folllowers to highlight issues that are important to him.
Although it has led to criticism from some fans that Hamilton should focus more on racing, Mercedes chief Wolff said it was fine for the British driver to polarise people if it meant he spoke out about important messages.
"What I always say is that not only as a racing driver he has developed, but also as a strong personality," Wolff said.
"There are topics that are very close to his heart, and because of his large audiences, he has realised he has a voice and he wanted to utilise his voice to support the topics that are close to his heart.
PLUS: The Lewis Hamilton trait that only helps fuel his critics
"I think that is absolutely acceptable, and he has gained more profile through that.
"He is obviously polarising, but that is OK, because you would want to rather polarise and get the message out, rather than be down the middle and too streamlined."
Matching Schumacher's seventh title was the latest major landmark for Hamilton through 2020, having also become F1's all-time wins record holder in October.
He is poised to become the first driver in F1 history to hold over 100 wins and 100 pole positions, and will start 2020 as the favourite to take an unprecedented eighth championship.
Wolff said that Hamilton's on-track success would only help his platform to grow and allow for him to speak to a wider audience about important issues.
"He is always very aware that through success in Formula 1 and as a racing driver with outstanding records, he will grow his audiences and his credibility," Wolff said.
"That is clear. That is why these two things nurture each other.
"Obviously his main base is racing and driving and that is the main platform, so all the others become more credible."
Ricciardo: 2020 F1 campaign most enjoyable season since 2016
The Lewis Hamilton trait that only helps fuel his critics
How studying Schumacher helped make Coulthard a McLaren F1 mainstay
Winner of 13 grands prix including Monaco and survivor of a life-changing plane crash, David Coulthard could be forgiven for having eased into a quiet retirement – but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, in fact he’s busier than ever, running an award-winning media company and championing diversity in motor racing. Not bad for someone who, by his own admission, wasn’t quite the fastest driver of his generation…
How Red Bull found more downforce for Hungary
Red Bull initially feared it would be on the back foot at Formula 1’s Hungarian Grand Prix, with the team seemingly less comfortable at high downforce circuits than previous years.
Russell: Hungary pole justifies faith in Mercedes F1 car concept
George Russell believes Mercedes’ pole position and double podium finish in Hungary last weekend justifies its decision to stick with its current Formula 1 car concept.
Alpine confident it will beat Aston Martin while Alonso is there
Alpine Formula 1 boss Otmar Szafnauer believes that his team can continue to outperform Aston Martin during Fernando Alonso’s tenure at the Silverstone squad when he switches camps for 2023.
How studying Schumacher helped make Coulthard a McLaren F1 mainstay
Winner of 13 grands prix including Monaco and survivor of a life-changing plane crash, David Coulthard could be forgiven for having eased into a quiet retirement – but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, in fact he’s busier than ever, running an award-winning media company and championing diversity in motor racing. Not bad for someone who, by his own admission, wasn’t quite the fastest driver of his generation…
Could F1 move to a future beyond carbonfibre?
Formula 1 has ambitious goals for improving its carbon footprint, but could this include banishing its favoured composite material? PAT SYMONDS considers the alternatives to carbonfibre and what use, if any, those materials have in a Formula 1 setting
How Russell has proven he deserves to be Hamilton's Mercedes heir
He’s fast, he’s smart, and he’s already shown he’s not going to let Max Verstappen intimidate him. George Russell won’t say it, but LUKE SMITH says he’s ready to take the lead at Mercedes when Lewis Hamilton moves on to a quieter life. And – whisper it – Mercedes and Lewis are starting to think so too
The traits that fuelled Alonso's unexpected Aston Martin move
Fernando Alonso’s bombshell switch to Aston Martin sent shockwaves through Formula 1, not least at Alpine that finds itself tangled in a contract standoff with Oscar Piastri. Not shy of a bold career move and with a CV punctuated by them, there were numerous hints that trouble was brewing
The elements Ferrari must resolve to first save face, then win championships
OPINION: Ferrari's Formula 1 title hopes look all but over after another strategic blunder in last week's Hungarian Grand Prix denied Charles Leclerc the chance to fight for victory, while handing it to chief rival Max Verstappen. The Scuderia now faces intense scrutiny over what it must now do to finally become a genuine factor in championship battles
The clues about Hamilton’s F1 retirement plans revealed after Vettel’s decision
OPINION: Sebastian Vettel is set to leave Formula 1 at the end of 2022 and will, rather shockingly, be replaced by Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin. But what about the final chapter of the other driver that defined the post-Michael Schumacher era? In Hungary, Lewis Hamilton spoke about his future in the context of Vettel’s upcoming departure, which offered clues on how long it will last
Why all signs point to F1’s Monaco special relationship continuing
OPINION: With more potential venues than there are slots in future calendars, rumours have been circulating that the Monaco Grand Prix could be a casualty of F1’s expansion into new markets. But MARK GALLAGHER thinks this is highly unlikely
Hungarian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2022
The Hungarian Grand Prix race result, after a dry race held without safety car conditions, bore little resemblance to what was anticipated after qualifying. While certain drivers were nullified by some iffy strategy calls, others shone to grasp opportunities afforded to them in the last F1 race before the summer break