Lewis Hamilton, one of the most popular as well as criticized drivers in Formula 1, has indirectly benefitted the sport. The Silver Arrows ace, whose popularity knows no bounds, has often managed to grab attention even from places with no direct F1 connection. Talking about one such occasion, Lewis’ dad, Anthony Hamilton, revealed the intricate details of the same.

During an interview with CNN in 2016, Hamilton Sr. opened up about his son’s immense popularity inside and outside of the sport. However, with this popularity, there was also criticism, as Hamilton often received criticism for his private life. But his father knew that the Mercedes spearhead was doing well in maintaining the balance in both.

Talking about this, Hamilton Sr. stated, “His life is such, he’s got a persona to keep up because of the environment that he is in and I think he’s having a great life, and not just that he is doing well in the sport.”

He also touched on how lewis’s life in the public eye has benefited F1. “There are more people looking in on the sport, that are not by the sport fans, but they are Lewis Hamilton fans, or they are fashion fans or they are music fans,” he asserted.

When asked if any other driver, in his shoes, would have received the same criticism, Anthony said, “I think the greatest are always treated differently.”

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The Mercedes star has got friends beyond the sport, who are quite popular worldwide. This got him to get recognized even more.

Is Lewis Hamilton bigger than F1?

Lewis Hamilton is probably the most successful driver in Formula 1 right now. With 103 wins under his belt, the Briton has put himself quite ahead of everyone else. With his immense success, his number of followers increased with time. With Hamilton fans spread across the world, can we actually say that he is bigger than the sport?

During an interview with Autocar in 2020, Bernie Ecclestone revealed his take on the then-six-time world champion. When asked about the Briton and his ever-growing fame, the former F1 supremo conveyed, “He’s different.”

“He’s a first-class guy. He’s actually bigger than F1. Nothing wrong with launching clothes lines or having rappers as friends,” concluded the former F1 honcho.

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It’s not sure if Lewis Hamilton is bigger than Formula 1 or if is he actually the greatest of all time. But he has surely established himself as one of the very best, if not the best, since his debut with McLaren back in 2007.