Jeremy Clarkson, the British television host and commentator, argued that Lewis Hamilton began losing popularity when he embraced what Clarkson described as a “woke” lifestyle. Despite this, Hamilton remains one of Formula 1‘s most popular drivers after nearly twenty years in the sport, attracting a passionate fan base worldwide. The seven-time world champion is also well-connected beyond the racetrack, with involvement in music, fashion, and film.
Hamilton has made notable strides off the track, working with designer Tommy Hilfiger and serving as an executive producer for the Hollywood film “F1,” which stars Brad Pitt. However, over recent years, Hamilton’s rapport with fans appears to have diminished as he has taken a more reserved and politically conscious public stance.
In a 2021 column for The Sun, Clarkson attributed Hamilton’s declining favor to this transformation, stating:
“When he first came on to the scene, he was bright and talented and normal – and everyone loved him. But then he decided to go woke and right-on and more politically correct than a student union AGM.”
—Jeremy Clarkson, The Sun columnist
“He talks about how he’s now green because he sold his jet and has urged everyone to be vegetarian. All this might work well on social media, but in the real world, where people live, it doesn’t work at all.”
—Jeremy Clarkson, The Sun columnist
Criticism of Hamilton’s Integration into Ferrari for the 2025 Season
Earlier this year, Clarkson voiced further disapproval of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, suggesting the driver’s timing and approach showed a lack of urgency. He expected Hamilton to join the Italian team immediately at the start of the 2025 season to dive fully into their technology and gain an edge, rather than arriving late in mid-January.
Reflecting on Hamilton’s first public appearance as a Ferrari driver, Clarkson wrote:
“If he’s so keen on that eighth world title, you’d imagine that he’d have arrived at the factory on day one, keen to know the car’s secrets and how he can extract the most from its vast arsenal of racing trickery.”
—Jeremy Clarkson, The Sun columnist
“Instead, he turned up in an SUV in a suit and tie and posed for pictures before talking to fans, under the watchful eye of a video drone, which luckily was there to capture the moment. He doesn’t even commute in a Ferrari road car, choosing instead to use Fiat’s helicopter. What is Lewis now? A driver? Or a superstar?”
—Jeremy Clarkson, The Sun columnist
Struggles on Track and Impact on Ferrari Partnership
Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari sparked strong reactions on social media, boosting excitement around the collaboration. Yet, despite the hype, his performance has fallen short compared to his teammate Charles Leclerc, highlighting challenges in adapting to the new team. This gap in results has contributed to growing scrutiny over his role and competitiveness within Ferrari.
As Lewis Hamilton navigates this phase of his career marked by off-track activism and on-track difficulties, his future trajectory remains under observation. How Hamilton balances these contrasting elements—the demands of racing success and his public persona—could shape his legacy and influence the dynamics within Ferrari and the broader Formula 1 community.