F1 fans fume at Hamilton’s Michael Schumacher tribute

Lewis Hamilton’s contribution to a new book honoring Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher has stirred controversy among fans.

The book, World Championship Cars: Michael Schumacher, commemorates the 30th anniversary of Schumacher’s first Formula 1 championship win and features a foreword by Hamilton, who also holds seven world titles and shares a reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The Schumacher family, who manages Schumacher’s official Instagram account, promoted the book on social media.

The post praised Schumacher’s early career, recalling how a young driver from Kerpen, Germany, rose to become a powerful force on the world stage.

However, the inclusion of Hamilton’s words in the book has sparked a debate among Schumacher’s fans, many of whom voiced their frustration online.

Some expressed disappointment and even anger that Hamilton, whom they see as a rival rather than a successor to Schumacher, was included in a tribute to their idol.

One fan commented that they were disappointed to see Hamilton’s face in the same book as Schumacher’s, while another stated that, as a dedicated Schumacher fan, they found Hamilton’s involvement disrespectful.

Others went so far as to say they would not buy the book because of Hamilton’s contribution, insisting there is only one “true champ,” referring to Schumacher as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time).

Hamilton and Schumacher have a notable connection in Formula 1 history. The two raced together between 2010 and 2012 when Schumacher made a comeback with Mercedes, a team that Hamilton would join after Schumacher’s final retirement.

Both drivers left a profound impact on the sport, achieving a record seven world championships each, and both are often cited in discussions about the greatest F1 drivers.

Since a skiing accident in 2013 left Schumacher with life-altering injuries, his family has guarded his privacy while also continuing to honor his legacy.

The release of this anniversary book is part of those efforts, yet the decision to include Hamilton’s tribute has divided fans, highlighting the rivalry and contrasting legacies of the two drivers.

While some fans were thrilled by the chance to celebrate Schumacher’s achievements, the inclusion of Hamilton sparked a wave of mixed reactions on social media, with many arguing that a book celebrating Schumacher’s legacy should focus solely on his life and career without involving his rival’s image or words.