Oct 28, 2007

Does Hamilton have Right Stuff?

You really have to wonder about Lewis Hamilton's chances of being a Formula One champion. After hearing his reaction to his loss of the title to Kimi Raikkonen in the last race of the season, it makes one question if he has the personality traits necessary to be a proper F1 champion. In the wake of the disappointing loss, he demonstrated good sportsmanship, modesty and respect for his rival, all of which are quite out of character for top Formula One drivers, who normally exhibit the demeanor of spoiled three-year-olds, especially when they don't get their way.

Instead of being petulant after losing the 2007 Driver's Championship by a single point, Hamilton sounded more like a Miss America candidate during the interview portion of the contest. The good news is that all of it came off as sincere, which means if he looks good in a bathing suit, he might have a good chance to win the Miss America crown next year.

For instance, after the race was over and the title apparently settled there was a chance that Hamilton could've backed into the championship by the potential disqualification of other drivers who finished ahead of him. They were driving cars that were found to have questionable fuel in post-race inspection, but Hamilton would have none of it.

"To have the world title taken away is a bit cruel and probably not good for the sport," Hamilton told a British television interviewer. "It would feel weird after Kimi did such a fantastic job in the last two races and won on Sunday. I want to win it on the track."

Geez, what kind of attitude is that for a Formula One contender? Sportsmanship? Regard for others' feelings? Hamilton just doesn't appear to get that most drivers in the series subscribe to the old W.C. Fields' dictum, "Anything worth having is worth cheating for."

Instead, Hamilton seems to have kept the whole thing in perspective, despite the fact that, with two races to go, he was an apparent shoo-in for the title but ended up missing out after his own error and mechanical ills doomed him to seventh place in the final race in Brazil.

"I'm only 22 and there's going to be plenty more opportunities for me to win the world championship. I have no doubt that we can do that in the future," he told BBC Sport. "It has been a phenomenal year and it has just been a real pleasure to be part of the team. I'm extremely proud of them and of my family and everyone that's supported me to get me where I am."

Good Lord, when's he coming out in favor of motherhood and apple pie? The fact is that Hamilton's attitude is refreshing, and we're in his corner as he makes a run at the F1 title next year.