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Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says only when Lewis Hamilton retires “will people comprehend the magnitude of his achievements”.
In an interview with the Daily Mail Toto Wolff gave his thoughts on why a certain portion of the Formula 1 fanbase intensely dislikes Lewis Hamilton.
“I think Lewis isn’t regarded as well here as he should be, but for many reasons,” the Austrian said.
“He had a lot of success immediately with McLaren, and the story of his earlier life, the financial struggles, the racism he was exposed to, is not something that was ever in the public eye.
“People didn’t see that. What they saw was a young man coming into Formula 1 and being successful from the get-go.
“And because he is also an extravagant person that polarises further. People can’t cope with it. Is there fundamental racism in the world, too? Perhaps there is.
“But I think more importantly all of us lose more than we win, every day, and it is very difficult then for people to cope with a person they think has it all, who wins all the time.
“The more you win the more people cheer for the underdog. Only when he retires, I think, will people comprehend the magnitude of his achievements.”
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Wolff also explained how mere skill isn’t enough to be super successful in racing. A driver also needs to understand it is not all about him.
“The people who say they could be world champions in Lewis’ car — well, why aren’t you in that car? Why did he switch from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013?
“It was a bold move. There are examples, even now, people who went for the money rather than the car.
“Fernando Alonso is without doubt one of the best Formula 1 drivers to have raced. Ever. It is disappointing for the sport that he hasn’t got more than two titles to his name.
“But it’s about knowing that you’re part of the solar system, you’re not the sun. Some drivers are ill-advised, they get in the media spotlight and they start to believe they’re the sun.
“And you’re not. None of us are. We’re all satellites, we’re the planets that rotate,” concluded Mercedes’ team boss.
