Lewis Hamilton: The ‘Clean Racer’ in a Group of F1 Villains

Lewis Hamilton’s unparalleled success in Formula 1 has often set him apart from his peers. Unlike aggressive racers such as Max Verstappen, Michael Schumacher, and Ayrton Senna, Hamilton is often seen as the anomaly—a champion who dominates with precision and fairness rather than controversy.

David Coulthard’s Perspective on Hamilton vs. Verstappen

Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard recently shared his thoughts on Hamilton’s unique racing style, contrasting it with Verstappen’s raw aggression. Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, Coulthard noted that Verstappen’s “absolute fighting spirit” gives him the edge in wheel-to-wheel battles. Comparing Verstappen to fighters like Conor McGregor, Coulthard emphasized that Verstappen thrives in no-holds-barred situations, making him one of the sport’s fiercest competitors.

Hamilton, by contrast, has maintained a cleaner record. Coulthard highlighted this, stating:

“Lewis has actually done it in a very uncontroversial way. He’s a very clean racer and manages to stay out of controversy, making him an anomaly among F1’s aggressive champions.”

Hamilton’s Record-Breaking Career

As the most successful driver in F1 history, Hamilton boasts an impressive resume. He equaled Schumacher’s seven World Championship titles in 2020 and became the first driver to surpass 100 career wins and pole positions in 2021. Despite two winless seasons in 2022 and 2023, Hamilton returned to form in 2024, securing his 105th career win at Spa.

While Verstappen dominates the current era with his fourth consecutive title expected at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Coulthard insists Hamilton’s fair approach doesn’t diminish his achievements:

“There was a comfortable period for Lewis with Mercedes’ car advantage, but when he’s gone wheel-to-wheel with Max, Max’s fighting spirit usually comes out on top.”

Verstappen’s Aggression Under Scrutiny

Verstappen’s on-track aggression has drawn criticism, most recently at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he incurred a 20-second penalty for incidents with McLaren’s Lando Norris. The comparisons to his heated battles with Hamilton during their 2021 championship fight have reignited debates over driving standards in Formula 1.

Hamilton, a vocal critic of Verstappen’s behavior, reflected on their clashes:

“There’s a few drivers who are over the limit. I’ve avoided collisions so many times with him because you want to live another day.”

Hamilton’s humorous reaction to Verstappen’s incidents in Mexico, where he joked about expecting Verstappen to be involved in the chaos, underscores his seasoned perspective on their rivalry.

A Legacy Defined by Contrast

While Verstappen, Senna, and Schumacher are celebrated for pushing the boundaries of competitiveness, Hamilton’s legacy stands as a testament to a different kind of greatness—winning cleanly and with grace. As Coulthard aptly put it, Hamilton represents a distinct style, one that separates him from F1’s “villains” while cementing his place among the sport’s legends.

Why is Lewis Hamilton called an anomaly in F1?
Hamilton is seen as an anomaly because of his clean racing style, contrasting with aggressive champions like Verstappen, Schumacher, and Senna.

How does Max Verstappen’s racing style differ from Hamilton’s?
Verstappen is known for his aggressive and relentless approach, often pushing boundaries in wheel-to-wheel battles.

What are Hamilton’s key achievements in Formula 1?
Hamilton holds seven World Championships, over 100 wins and pole positions, and a reputation for fair racing throughout his career.