Experience matters extensively in Formula 1. Legendary drivers have repeatedly shaped the sport. In recent times, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have become icons for young drivers like Liam Lawson. The F1 2024 rankings have been released, placing Lewis Hamilton lower than Max Verstappen. This surprised many, as Hamilton’s rating was 89, while Verstappen scored 96.

This “downfall” stems from tumultuous events since 2021. Max Verstappen, in his turbo hybrid machine, challenged and overpowered Hamilton, winning his first World Championship. And Lewis Hamilton needs redemption now. Liam Lawson, the reserved driver for VCARB, sparked new controversies by angering Hamilton’s fans.

Liam Lawson’s opinions have enraged Hamilton fans

Famous YouTube channel Cameron F1 did not hold back while criticizing Liam Lawson’s ‘atrocious’ remarks. Cameron F1 asked who else in the game got a rating of 89 overall. Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris. “Oh, humanity it gets worse are we saying that Lando Norris is overall as good a driver as Lewis Hamilton?” he remarks with disbelief. He seemed furious with Lawson’s ‘careless’ words.

“That’s seven times World champion Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton again for the avoidance of that perpetrator of you,” Cameron F1 remarked bitterly. He expressed his frustration with EA’s 2024 F1 ratings, as it seemed unfair towards someone like Lewis Hamilton. “If you’re talking about ranks in absolute terms as far as a driver, you must factor in history and it cannot just be form over the most recent season,” Cameron F1 pointed out.

The new ratings did not surprise Lawson. In an interview with talkSPORT, the VCARB reserve driver said: “I think it’s fair, to be honest. I think Max right now is in a very strong. The team’s very strong and has been for the last couple of years, but Max is also driving at a level that’s very high.”  From his point of view, Lawson is correct. But what truly angered the LH army?

Liam’s continuation of his opinion enraged the supporters. He added: “Not that Lewis isn’t – I fully believe that he’s still obviously very, very competitive – but I don’t know. It’s really hard to tell because in Formula 1 you can only compare to your teammates. Honestly, it’s really hard to compare team to team. You can only compare with the guy that’s in the same car as you.” 

This is outrageous according to Cameron F1 that EA gave more points to Checo Perez than Hamilton in race-craft! Fans are upset with EA’s rankings as it seems to them as a deliberate attempt to undermine Hamilton.

There can be no comparison between Hamilton and Verstappen

The world of Formula 1 is no stranger to passionate fanbases, and the fervent support for drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen is a testament to the sport’s ability to inspire deep emotional connections. Hamilton supporters, acting on emotional grounds, often defend his legacy with fervor, and this is perfectly natural. The sport’s rich history and the intense competition between drivers foster strong allegiances that transcend mere statistics.

However, it’s important to understand the methodologies and contexts behind the ratings and assessments of drivers. These ratings often incorporate a variety of metrics, such as points scored, race wins, consistency, and overall performance within a given season. Currently, Max Verstappen’s dominance on the grid is reflected in his impressive accumulation of points and victories, highlighting his exceptional skill and the capabilities of his team. This mirrors the era when Hamilton was at the peak of his powers, consistently outpacing his rivals and setting new records. Despite the current shift in dominance, Lewis Hamilton’s legacy remains unassailable. His achievements extend beyond race wins and championship titles.

What is your opinion on Liam Lawson’s statements? Let us know in the comments.