There was an interesting article in the news recently pointing out that Hamilton had agreed to a 20 million pounds contract over the next three years to become one of Reebok's brand ambassador.
Furthermore, the article stated that at this going rate plus the money Hamilton already makes with McLaren, pundits are predicting Lewis to be well on course to matching Schumacher's estimated 500 million pounds fortune and more—becoming Britain's richest man in sports.
However, money is not everything in life, especially if you're an F1 racer.
Your goal is to win, and that's primary. The money should be second to that—yet it seems that while Lewis' performances go down, his potential income and sponsorships deals are on the rise.
Are we then witnessing the birth of a David Beckham in Formula 1? In other words is Lewis Hamilton gaining fame, money, and recognition as a tool for brand promotion over his performances?
Last week in Istanbul as part of a Vodafone promotional event, Lewis was asked to go up on stage (theatre performance) and play the role of Apollo...How ridiculous is that?
Lewis is not an actor—he is an F1 driver for goodness sake! He may be a key promotional tool for McLaren's sponsors, but at heart that's not what he has signed for.
My worry is that Lewis Hamilton is losing sight of what's really important, and for what? Money, money, money!
If David Beckham's record gives any indication, Lewis' legions of fans should not expect their hero to become world champion anytime soon.
Winning races should be on top of his agenda, not wasting time with sponsors!
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4 months ago
Great article ... I read the piece in question, I agree with you on most points ... Its crazy talk to have him suspended from a wire above an audience in an artful show of the story of Troy and the Wooden horse ... BUT ... This is the sponsor we are talking about ... Its part of the job to be a brand face for the sponsor and Lewis must make numerous appearences on behalf of the sponsor ... This however was one of the silly ones, He shouldnt have to do it so close to a race weekend, surely he would be better utilised focusing on the job in hand and winning races in the car that is plastered in the sponsors logos ? Thats where I would want him if I was a Vodafone big wig ! Getting my name on TV in the winning car ?
There are a couple more points ... I am hoping ... I am crossing everything here that the media dont take this and run with it because they are going to try and glamourise him and splash it that all he is interested in is the money ... I think that rubbish, Lewis is a dedicated gent and he knows what he wants ... He wants to do well in the sport he loves and make Anthony Hamilton proud and pay him back for all those years of dedication he has given to his son ... Thats first and formost I would have expected ... Of course the money is bloody good and I am sure its one of the perks of the job but I am betting that Lewis would be more than happy to realistically do this for a fraction of the cost ... He is living his dream ... I say fair play to you Lewis ! You earned it ... You and your father !
I dont think he will lose sight of what is important ... He seems pretty grounded, and as for a media tool, he is EXCELLENT in the media glare and I think he handles himself very well and certainly wont let this go to his head ... He wants championships and I think he will concentrate on getting them !
Great article Alex, look forward to reading more of your work.
Ben, over and out
4 months ago
Hey Ben
cheers for your comments , always appreciated here!
But I'm still not convinced LH will have the will power to dash away those greedy sponsors and get back to what he said he is going to do and that's becoming world champion this year.
Hamilton has so much marketing potential , such a great image and all and I fear that may override his previous ambition because the money he could potentially make this way is just ridiculously tempting!!!
what do you think?
from 4 months ago
Yeah I suppose you are right ... Parties with P Diddy and Flash cars and blinging watches and the women falling at his feet ... Sounds pretty perfect and that will always be a massive influence, or at least it would be for me ... I just hope his father keeps him in check and makes sure that whilst the high life is a great one he can still be professional and remember what got him there ... I am sure his hunger for success and a championship will always be there no matter how much money they dangle infront of him ... I suppose only time will tell Alex and the best we can do is hope that he stays grounded and put on a great show and above all secure a world championship sooner rather than later !
4 months ago
I think people forget that David Beckham has won six Premiership titles, La Liga, Champions League and numerous domestic cups. He also acheived over 100 caps for his country and scored in three consecutive World Cups. He is renowned for being the first on and last off the training pitch. He should be somebody that Lewis aspires to be and I have no doubt that he will be completely focused on his sport.
4 months ago
Hey Laz, I agree there with you and furthermore Beckham has so much character being able to pull through all the crap the medias and tabloid came at him with, managing to keep his marriage on the roll despite the Loos scandal n other things , and yes Lewis should look to build that sort of courage but my concern is that Lewis will be more famous for his off track antics as opposed to his on track performance.
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