© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
By Carol M. Creasey
The world of Formula One has been waiting for Mercedes’ 2022 car launch, not just because the all-new Mercedes W13 was being unveiled, but also because Sir Lewis Hamilton was going to be present.
Ever since he lost the championship in controversial circumstances in December of 2021, everyone has waited with bated breath to see if the only man to equal Michael Schumacher’s seven world championships, but who has also eclipsed him in the number of pole positions and race wins, would be competing in 2022.
So many rumours have circulated about him since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As he chose to enjoy a sabbatical from the media, we all heard how disillusioned he was with the sport, and how let down he felt he was by those tasked with governing it. And so the rumours became stories: ‘he was retiring’, ‘he was taking a year’s sabbatical’, ‘he would decide whether to return only after the FIA had done an investigation into the way the safety car procedure was carried out in Abu Dhabi’, etc.
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This prompted internet trolls to jump on the bandwagon and accuse him of sulking, saying he thought he was bigger than the sport, and how dare he hold the FIA to ransom by insisting that Michael Masi must be axed! Some people chose to ignore the statement put out by Toto Wolff, who said that neither he nor Lewis had asked for Masi to be axed. So much abuse and accusations were hurled at Lewis, but he had obviously expected that and this is why he has kept silent.
When he was interviewed at the launch, he was relaxed, calm and smiling. When he was questioned about his comeback, his first words were: “I never said I was going to stop”. After that he explained calmly that he needed to come to terms with the events of Abu Dhabi, and he needed to surround himself with family – their love and support had meant everything to him.
Just that short sentence put everything into perspective. The rumours and speculation died in that moment, but the panic caused by pundits and the press saying that he might have been thinking about giving up, proves just how important Sir Lewis Hamilton is for the sport. In subsequent interviews he insisted there is absolutely no bad blood between himself and Max Verstappen, and he said he does not blame the Dutchman in any way. He is refreshed and energised, and he cannot wait to compete again!
To the trolls out there who try their best to bring Lewis down: perhaps you should take a leaf out of his book if you can. He was gracious in defeat, silent when some around him were toxic, and is now back in the best of spirits. And his message is simple: “If you think what you saw at the end of last year was my best, wait until you see me this year”! And remember, the more hatred you show towards him, the more you spur him on to perform at his very best.
My message to all the followers of Formula One and fans of Lewis is: I think our champion will reach new heights this year, and I am sure he has also been recharged by all the love and support that was poured towards him. We will never forget the tragedy that was Abu Dhabi 2021, but with new regulations and more equal cars, maybe we can put it aside and enjoy the 2022 season!
Be sure to follow Carol on Twitter @eagertogo and visit her website www.carolmcreasey.com!
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