“Rambling, racist nonsense” – Fans furious as ex-F1 team manager labels Lewis Hamilton as just a brand compared to ‘F1 driver’ Max Verstappen
Graham Watson reckoned that Lewis Hamilton was simply a brand to the world while Max Verstappen's identity remained of an F1 driver
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (Credits: IMAGO)
The past two F1 title campaigns from Max Verstappen have proved that the Dutchman has the potential to break many records in the world. Although Lewis Hamilton has matched the number of title wins with the Legendary Michael Schumacher, people believe that the 26-year-old can match, if not break this record. However, Alphatauri’s manager Graham Watson has made some bold claims about the two drivers.
Watson claimed that Verstappen was the best thing to happen to Formula 1, overlooking Hamilton’s contribution to the sport. Subsequently, the 56-year-old further asserted that the Dutchman’s switch from AlphaTauri to Red Bull was comparable to Schumacher’s move to Ferrari. Hence, Verstappen immensely popularized the sport, according to Watson.
When Max went from us to Red Bull, I compared it to Michael Schumacher’s move to Ferrari. He made Formula 1 immensely popular at the time. Just look at the old images of Hockenheim and Spa: the stands were full with Schumacher flags.Watson told Verstappen.com.
However, the former manager was not hesitant in labeling Lewis Hamilton as just a ‘brand’ of Formula 1. Due to his other interests apart from F1, fans wondered about him being a driver for the sport, according to Watson. Finally, the 56-year-old asserted that this fact about the sport won’t change despite others’ opinions over the status quo.
Lewis Hamilton is very talented, but is involved in so many things that people wonder: is he a Formula 1 driver or not? He’s associated with so many other things. Lewis Hamilton is a brand, Max Verstappen is a Formula 1 driver. And that won’t change.
Fans showcase their disagreement with Graham Watson’s comments
In a recent tweet on X, the majority of fans reacted negatively to Watson’s comments about the two drivers. A particular fan claimed that Watson was being ‘racist’ due to his comments on the status quo. Another fan asserted that this was the worst F1 take that they had seen in a long time. One fan highlighted that Hamilton was indeed bigger than the sport of F1, and hence need not be regarded as a ‘brand’ of F1.
Another fan highlighted that Watson was just ‘rambling’ while making such claims about the seven-time world champion. Some fans also insisted that Hamilton was the reason behind the ever-growing popularity of the sport. Other fans exclaimed that Watson was just being ‘biased’ towards Verstappen and thinking straight over the matter.
Racist nonsense.
— trappy-chan (@trappychan_) January 18, 2024
biased much?
— SK?? ??????? (@SK_FCBayern) January 18, 2024
he's just rambling at this point
— arianator (@thatarianastann) January 18, 2024
Lewis is the why f1 is so famous today
— Lauri?? (@ICE_C0FFEE8) January 18, 2024
Sir you might consider to stop drinking, cus you sir are rambling and speaking nonsense ??
— MarieLouise Lyngsø (@LisePigen14) January 18, 2024
Here we go! They’re working overtime trying to discredit the most decorated driver in the sport of his achievements!
— Nefarious (@Cybernetcrumbs) January 18, 2024
Lewis put F1 on the map the plank which has elevated the sport and made it popular in the US which is where a bulk of the money comes from!Beckham put football on the global map as have Ronaldo and Messi and they are brands!Max is just F1 in a very fast car which is built for him
— Dankeano (@edwards22613) January 18, 2024
saying “is he a formula 1 driver or not” about a man who’s been in this sport for more than 15 years has 7 wdc and broke records time and time again is not even wild but fucking disrespectful https://t.co/dN5hRERsl9
— suz (@81scuderia) January 18, 2024
Bro is really asking if 7 times world champion is a formula 1 driver https://t.co/Zs1A4sJK20 pic.twitter.com/3RjUyfCrnS
— nina (@ninalikesf1) January 18, 2024
The fact that Lewis Hamilton is a brand is why he has done more for F1 than any driver ever has or will. The disrespect is crazy, you can really tell how jealous they all are of Lewis. He is the only one that transcends the sport, they're just upset they never will. https://t.co/Iuduk4c8QD
— Marina (@xxoMarina) January 18, 2024
Although both the driver have delivered very promising results over their career, Verstappen still has a contract till 2029. Additionally, Hamilton’s recent winless form has fans questioning the skills of the former world champion. However, this discussion is not substantial as both the drivers have been excelling in their respective regulations era and both the drivers are at par with each other in terms of performance during a race.
In case you missed it:
- McLaren Boss Zak Brown says ‘hot property’ Lando Norris needs to be ‘locked down soon’ as his contract nears its end
- Ex-AlphaTauri manager claims Max Verstappen ‘saved’ F1 with his massive popularity
Aditya Pandya
(1476 Articles Published)