Lewis Hamilton Slammed by Alpine Star Over F1 Lineup......

Lewis Hamilton Slammed by Alpine Star Over F1 Lineup……read more

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has faced backlash over comments made about a hypothetical driver lineup for his future team. The controversy emerged as Hamilton discussed his vision for an F1 team during the off-season, which is set to see him depart from Mercedes after 12 years. With a move to Ferrari confirmed for the 2025 season, Hamilton’s proposed driver roster sparked strong criticism from Alpine Academy driver, Sophia Floersch.

Hamilton, 39, who has had a difficult 2023 season, marked by inconsistent performances and struggles to keep pace with teammate George Russell, has been vocal about his passion for supporting young drivers and promoting diversity within motorsport. Amid a challenging year with Mercedes, where he has largely been outpaced by Russell despite securing two wins, Hamilton has started looking toward the future. A fresh start with Ferrari could offer him another shot at securing an eighth world title, potentially cementing his legacy as one of F1’s all-time greats.

In recent comments, Hamilton shared his ideal driver lineup for a future team, stating that he would prioritize diversity and young talent. He mentioned Kenzo Craigie, a promising karting champion, and Mercedes junior driver Doriane Pin as two key figures he would want in his dream team. “Kenzo and Doriane, she’s a badass. If I was to make a team… maybe one day I will, it’ll be diverse from the beginning,” Hamilton said, emphasizing the importance of diversity in his vision.

While Hamilton’s proposal was praised by many fans, particularly those supportive of his advocacy for inclusivity in motorsport, it also drew sharp criticism from some corners of the F1 world. Alpine Academy driver Sophia Floersch, a rising star in the sport, responded to Hamilton’s comments with a pointed challenge. “Put your money where your mouth is!” Floersch remarked on social media, urging Hamilton to back up his words with concrete actions. The comment quickly drew attention, fueling an ongoing debate about the role of diversity in motorsport and how it is being addressed by the sport’s top figures.

Floersch’s response was seen as a challenge to Hamilton’s commitment to diversity, suggesting that while he may talk about supporting young talent and promoting inclusivity, his actions haven’t always aligned with those principles. The comments quickly garnered significant attention on social media, with fans and pundits weighing in on both sides of the debate.

Hamilton’s comments, however, should be viewed in the context of his long-standing commitment to advocating for change in F1. Over the years, he has used his platform to highlight issues of racial inequality and champion greater representation of underrepresented groups within the sport. His charitable foundation, the Hamilton Commission, has been instrumental in pushing for greater diversity within the motorsport industry. In recent seasons, Hamilton has also become a vocal supporter of emerging drivers from diverse backgrounds, and his comments about a future team lineup were likely part of his ongoing push to ensure that the next generation of talent reflects a more inclusive vision for the sport.

Yet, despite his advocacy, the world of F1 remains a highly competitive and sometimes insular environment. The sport is still often criticized for being slow to embrace diversity, with only a handful of drivers from diverse backgrounds currently on the grid. As Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari for what could be the final phase of his illustrious career, his comments about his ideal F1 team lineup have raised questions about the practicalities of making such a vision a reality.

Sophia Floersch’s critique of Hamilton’s comments, while harsh, underscores the challenges facing Formula 1 in addressing diversity issues head-on. While many applaud Hamilton for using his platform to call for more diversity, others believe that tangible change is needed, not just in words but also in actions. In this regard, Floersch’s comment serves as a reminder that words alone are not enough to create lasting change in the sport.

As the 2023 F1 season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race before he makes his much-anticipated switch to Ferrari. With his contract with Mercedes coming to an end, the focus will shift to his legacy, both on and off the track. As for the future of his hypothetical F1 team, only time will tell if Hamilton’s dream of creating a diverse, inclusive team will materialize, or if it will remain just that—a dream.

The 2025 season promises to be a significant one for Hamilton, not just because of his move to Ferrari, but also because of the opportunity to shape the future of the sport. His comments about a diverse driver lineup show that, while he may be stepping away from Mercedes, his commitment to driving change in F1 will remain a key part of his legacy. Whether or not that dream lineup ever becomes a reality, Hamilton’s influence on the sport will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.