Although I live in the States, an English heart beats within me and my view on Lewis Hamilton is inevitably affected as a result. Whether we admit it or not, patriotism plays a part in our assessment of F1; the Germans loved Michael Schumacher and now the Spanish cheer for Alonso. It is entirely natural and not something to be criticized.
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso
Things seem to be so much more complicated for the British, however. Perhaps because of a collective guilt over the supposed wrongs of the Empire, we try desperately hard to be even-handed in our views, not allowing the raging patriotism in our deepest being to show itself too often. But Hamilton makes it so difficult for us.
Like other nations, we want one of our lads to succeed and be the best in the sport. When Jenson Button arrived, we put so much hope into him that the long wait for his first win became too much for most of us and we became disillusioned and overly critical of him as a result. Now we have a new star to invest our dreams in, a bright hope that delivers far beyond what anyone expected, a talent so supreme that already we talk of years of Hamilton domination of the sport.
If only it were that simple for the British F1 enthusiast. Disgusted by the ignorant and ridiculous over-reaction by the Brit press to Hamilton's success, we find ourselves looking for reasons to drag the rookie back to earth. He's in the best car, we grumble, and 'Nando and Kimi have had to adjust to Bridgestone tires. How will Lewis react when things don't go so well, we ask. Let's see how he handles the wet, we suggest.
Things get so complicated that we tie ourselves in knots, trying not to expect too much, too aware of previous disappointments, determined not to be swayed by patriotism in our learned discussions. As a Brit, I understand all these conflicting emotions only too well; they affect me as much as any of my countrymen.
Attempting to step back from all that and to make an assessment purely through results and performance to date, I have to state that Lewis Hamilton is the real deal. Already he has done enough to prove that he is in the top flight of F1 drivers and will probably become a new Senna. I watched him brush the barrier at Monaco and continue unscathed, and then he comes within millimeters of touching the wall at Indianapolis. Luck? I don't think so, although he is certainly lucky (a necessary ingredient for any F1 champion). When a driver is able to judge distances to so fine a limit, it has to be admitted that he is something special. There is no doubt in my mind that Lewis will be the driver to beat for years to come.
All that is said without regard for the fact that he happens to be British. I know that because, if I allow my Englishness into the equation, I find myself wanting Alonso to be champion this year. Lewis' turn will come, most probably again and again in the next few years, but Alonso somehow deserves this one for his daring move to McLaren against all the odds. He is still one of the best, at least as fast as Hamilton this year, and will likely be the main competition for him in the future, whatever cars they happen to be in. Let him have this year for old time's sake.
But after that, forget it, 'Nando. The Hamilton lad can only get better and better...
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso
Things seem to be so much more complicated for the British, however. Perhaps because of a collective guilt over the supposed wrongs of the Empire, we try desperately hard to be even-handed in our views, not allowing the raging patriotism in our deepest being to show itself too often. But Hamilton makes it so difficult for us.
Like other nations, we want one of our lads to succeed and be the best in the sport. When Jenson Button arrived, we put so much hope into him that the long wait for his first win became too much for most of us and we became disillusioned and overly critical of him as a result. Now we have a new star to invest our dreams in, a bright hope that delivers far beyond what anyone expected, a talent so supreme that already we talk of years of Hamilton domination of the sport.
If only it were that simple for the British F1 enthusiast. Disgusted by the ignorant and ridiculous over-reaction by the Brit press to Hamilton's success, we find ourselves looking for reasons to drag the rookie back to earth. He's in the best car, we grumble, and 'Nando and Kimi have had to adjust to Bridgestone tires. How will Lewis react when things don't go so well, we ask. Let's see how he handles the wet, we suggest.
Things get so complicated that we tie ourselves in knots, trying not to expect too much, too aware of previous disappointments, determined not to be swayed by patriotism in our learned discussions. As a Brit, I understand all these conflicting emotions only too well; they affect me as much as any of my countrymen.
Attempting to step back from all that and to make an assessment purely through results and performance to date, I have to state that Lewis Hamilton is the real deal. Already he has done enough to prove that he is in the top flight of F1 drivers and will probably become a new Senna. I watched him brush the barrier at Monaco and continue unscathed, and then he comes within millimeters of touching the wall at Indianapolis. Luck? I don't think so, although he is certainly lucky (a necessary ingredient for any F1 champion). When a driver is able to judge distances to so fine a limit, it has to be admitted that he is something special. There is no doubt in my mind that Lewis will be the driver to beat for years to come.
All that is said without regard for the fact that he happens to be British. I know that because, if I allow my Englishness into the equation, I find myself wanting Alonso to be champion this year. Lewis' turn will come, most probably again and again in the next few years, but Alonso somehow deserves this one for his daring move to McLaren against all the odds. He is still one of the best, at least as fast as Hamilton this year, and will likely be the main competition for him in the future, whatever cars they happen to be in. Let him have this year for old time's sake.
But after that, forget it, 'Nando. The Hamilton lad can only get better and better...