Former Aston Martin and Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has criticised Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 paddock arrival routine and fashion choices, claiming that the Ferrari driver deliberately appears when photographers are present. Szafnauer contrasted the seven-time world champion’s approach with that of Max Verstappen, whom he described as consistently the first driver to arrive at the circuit.
Lewis Hamilton has developed into a figure who, in some respects, has become even bigger than Formula 1 itself. Alongside his remarkable racing career, the British driver has created a wide-ranging business empire spanning fashion and Formula 1 clothing, music and cinema.
However, not everyone is a fan of the image and race-weekend routine adopted by Ferrari’s seven-time world champion. Otmar Szafnauer has now publicly criticised Lewis Hamilton’s behaviour by comparing him with Max Verstappen, his principal rival during one of the defining battles of the modern Formula 1 era.
Otmar Szafnauer criticises Lewis Hamilton’s paddock arrivals
Speaking during an episode of the High Performance podcast, Otmar Szafnauer did not hold back when discussing the differences he believes exist between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
“Who is the first to arrive at the circuit? Max Verstappen,” Otmar Szafnauer said. “He is always the first to arrive. Lewis, on the other hand, only arrives when all the photographers are there, so he can wear his extravagant clothes and have his picture taken.”
The comparison reflects how differently the two multiple world champions present themselves during Formula 1 weekends. Lewis Hamilton has long treated clothing and personal style as important forms of expression, while Max Verstappen has traditionally maintained a more understated public image away from the car.
Lewis Hamilton’s fashion choices divide opinion
Lewis Hamilton’s unusual and often colourful paddock outfits have become a familiar part of Grand Prix weekends. While supporters praise the Ferrari driver for expressing his personality and challenging Formula 1’s traditionally conservative image, Otmar Szafnauer made it clear that Hamilton’s approach does not appeal to him.
When others defended Lewis Hamilton’s style during the podcast discussion, the former team principal responded ironically: “He can do it, I can’t. I think his style helped him in his relationship with Kim Kardashian, without a doubt.”
Otmar Szafnauer’s comments add another dimension to the frequent comparisons between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Their contrasting personalities and approaches away from the circuit remain almost as distinctive as the sporting rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the track.
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