224 replies to this topic

[pluto]

Hamilton, meanwhile, is this week the subject of criticism in the German press, with the broadcaster RTL pronouncing him a "megalomaniac" for comparing himself with the legendary late triple world champion Ayrton Senna.

"I know that I am as good as Ayrton Senna was," the 23-year-old is quoted as saying.

http://en.f1-live.co...002095425.shtml

[Nitropower]

Originally posted by pluto
Hamilton, meanwhile, is this week the subject of criticism in the German press, with the broadcaster RTL pronouncing him a "megalomaniac" for comparing himself with the legendary late triple world champion Ayrton Senna.

"I know that I am as good as Ayrton Senna was," the 23-year-old is quoted as saying.

http://en.f1-live.co...002095425.shtml

Don't know if he said so but if true it's a pity he went all the way from modesty to supidity.

[kar]

I'm not inclined to be fair to Hamilton, but the fact of the matter is in a way he is going to be slated for being arrogant pretty much no matter what he does.

The guy *is* arrogant (not that that is such a bad thing really), so he might as well be open about it and use it to his advantage. As opposed to like, trying to keep a lid on it and still getting slated for it anyway.

And also, when operating at that height of competition don't you on some level need to believe not only are you better than anyone else, but better than anyone else before you?

I really don't particularly like Lewis because I think he is not only arrogant but obnoxious too.

But I can largely forgive the former.

[Hacklerf]

If he said that, what an idiot

[ex Rhodie racer]

Originally posted by kar
.

And also, when operating at that height of competition don't you on some level need to believe not only are you better than anyone else, but better than anyone else before you?

Goodness me kar, believing it is one thing. But blurting it out to anyone who cares to listen is quite another. The guy is an embarrassment

[Vitesse2]

I took a quick look at RTL's "story". The only "sources" given for this "quote" are an unnamed 'veteran British journalist' and that well-known purveyor of responsible and accurate reporting Sport-Bild

I'd give that about as much credence as an exclusive in the Daily Sport or Daily Star.

Move along, nothing to see here .....

[undersquare]

Looking at the article on RTL.de it's a rehash from Sport Bilt, which in turn is a mash-up of what he said at the ICA hearing and something he supposedly said before the Singapore GP to an established British journalist.

If that were true we'd have heard all about it at the time.

The item is just a bash with a pic of LH in the Shanghai gravel trap, going on about "17 points" and calling him a megalomaniac. So unless anyone can find a credible original, it's another fabrication

But a handy vehicle for less scrupulous members to do a bit more name-calling, apparently.

[kenny]

To quote the Great Fangio "You must always strive to be the best, but you must never believe that you are"

[Rinehart]

Originally posted by pluto
Hamilton, meanwhile, is this week the subject of criticism in the German press, with the broadcaster RTL pronouncing him a "megalomaniac" for comparing himself with the legendary late triple world champion Ayrton Senna.

"I know that I am as good as Ayrton Senna was," the 23-year-old is quoted as saying.

http://en.f1-live.co...002095425.shtml

Most people on here think they know more about F1 than Bernie Ecclestone, more about driving an F1 car than Lewis Hamilton and more about managing a team than Ron Dennis, so it strikes me that Lewis opinion is fairly mild by comparision!

[undersquare]

Originally posted by kenny
To quote the Great Fangio "You must always strive to be the best, but you must never believe that you are"

You should also strive not to be gullible ;)

[secessionman]

The saddest indictment of Hamilton's personality is that we all knew who had said this before we opened the thread.

[aditya-now]

Judge for yourself:


http://www.rtl.de/sp...rmel1_87057.php

" Hamilton megalomanic. ......"I know that I am as good as Senna" he said to a long time British motorsport journalist during the weekend of the Singapore GP.....
Having already started psychogames towards Ferrari, he said at the Paris appeal hearing to the Ferrari laywer Nigel Tozzi: "Do you not know that I am the best?"....."I can immediately recognize where the line with greatest traction in the rain is " - he scoffed at Massa - "compared to him, I can go to the limit under such conditions" Hamilton said....

....But he can afford to be arrogant right now, as he theoretically needs only three second places to win the championship...."

the report of rtl.de further said.


To me, it is interesting, because so far in the German public including rtl and bild Lewis was always very well respected, simply because he drives a Mercedes McLaren and is a protegee of Norbert Haug. In German reporting, the "Silberpfeil" and its drivers still enjoy legendary status.

Fascinating, that with these statements (after speaking already about Kimi´s balls earlier on), he has now lost the good-will of the German media.

Mind you, the weekly "Sport-Bild" has the same holding like "Bild" (Axel Springer publishing), but the reporting is more substantial and less sensationalist than the daily Bild Zeitung. So it is difficult to judge whether this is blown up.
That there must be some truth behind it is evident, as Lewis has given similar sound bites in the past.

Concerning the cited long time British motorsport journo, it could well be that Lewis in a wave superiority feelings bubbled this out to the unspecified reporter, who took it off the record and did not report it further, not wanting to further destabilize Hamilton´s already tarnished reputation.

That said, he may well be "as good as Senna", yet the style of the two off track is surely different.

[Buttoneer]

I think that whoever wrote the first post is a complete idiot. If they only had the wisdom and foresight to have added the word 'Hamilton' to the thread title, we could be at over three pages by now.

[aditya-now]

Originally posted by Buttoneer
I think that whoever wrote the first post is a complete idiot. If they only had the wisdom and foresight to have added the word 'Hamilton' to the thread title, we could be at over three pages by now.

you are funny !!

and you are right, that´s the nature of the BB.

Yet, we did not need the name Hamilton in the thread title to know what was coming:

Originally posted by secessionman
The saddest indictment of Hamilton's personality is that we all knew who had said this before we opened the thread.

[Gareth]

Starting psychogames towards Ferrari, he said at the Paris appeal hearing to the Ferrari laywer Nigel Tozzi: "Do you not know that I am the best" [/B]

RTL are the only news outlet (AFAIK) to frame that quote in that way. Everyone else has it different.

If they're misquoting widely quoted things from an open hearing, what chance they got the "I know I'm as good as Senna" quote right?

Load of old rubbish.

[aditya-now]

Could well be, Gareth.

It would be interesting if the Italian media has anything on the things that Nigel Tozzi has allegedly heard. The Italians should have had this news first.

Also, Hamilton´s star started to tangibly sink in Germany and with RTL when he pushed Timo Glock onto the gras in Monza, so they may be partial now.

[undersquare]

Originally posted by aditya-now


Also, Hamilton´s star started to tangibly sink in Germany and with RTL when he pushed Timo Glock onto the gras in Monza, so they may be partial now.

Ah, that makes more sense.

But I would bet that if he said anything it was "I can be as good as Senna was".

[Gareth]

The things Hamilton said to Tozzi were widely reported in all F1 press, as the hearing was open, so no need to wait for the Italian press. Those quotes have been gone over with a fine tooth comb in true Autosport BB style already.

Here's an example of an article: http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/70786

Here's an example of a discussion on those quotes in here (note again, the quotes used don't match to the ones RTL use) : http://forums.autosp...709#post3320709

[aditya-now]

Yes, I remember these quotes from the ICA hearing. Yet it does not establish that the initial reports gave account of the full exchange between Tozzi and Hamilton. So it cannot be proved, this way or that way.

Depending on how much you like Hamilton the man you will be either inclined to believe it this way or that way.

So, onward to the final three races!

[as65p]

Originally posted by undersquare


But I would bet that if he said anything it was "I can be as good as Senna was".

You continue to amaze with your inside knowledge of Lewis' mind.

I would bet he doesn't understand himself half as good as you do.


As for the quote: it's a fact that RTL and Bild are about the lowest lifeform in german media landscape, there's at least a 50 percent chance that the quote is distorted or entirely made up.

So I will wait for a more credible source until I regard this as another confirmation for the impression I already have of his personality. TBH, even if true it wouldn't make such a big difference anymore...;)

[ensign14]

Originally posted by aditya-now
Also, Hamilton´s star started to tangibly sink in Germany and with RTL when he pushed Timo Glock onto the gras in Monza, so they may be partial now.

That must be a mistake. The German media preferring a German driver over a non-German? Only the British media are guilty of such naked nationalism, we've been told often enough on this BB.

[Bernd Rosemeyer]

Originally posted by Hacklerf
If he said that, what an idiot

If he wins three titles then yes, maybe he can say that. Now it's a bit tooearly, isn't it?

[Gareth]

Originally posted by aditya-now
Yes, I remember these quotes from the ICA hearing. Yet it does not establish that the initial reports gave account of the full exchange between Tozzi and Hamilton. So it cannot be proved, this way or that way.

On some quotes, I agree with you. But the "Do you not know that I am the best?" (RTL) quote is too damn close (IMO) to "I have been a racing driver since I was eight years old and I know pretty much every single manoeuvre in the book, and that's why I'm the best at my job." (autosport and pretty much all others) to be anything other than an impressively manipulated quote.

[as65p]

Originally posted by ensign14

That must be a mistake. The German media preferring a German driver over a non-German? Only the British media are guilty of such naked nationalism, we've been told often enough on this BB.

Well I mostly (have to) follow the races on RTL, and there were no signs in Monza or Singapore that their affection for Hamilton has taken a dent because of the Glock incident. Timo isn't that high on their list among the german drivers anyway. They wiggled a bit during the commentary when it happened in Monza, but I don't remember any agressive critizism. In general they do their best to adopt Lewis because of the Mercedes connection.

[Buttoneer]

Originally posted by ensign14

That must be a mistake. The German media preferring a German driver over a non-German? Only the British media are guilty of such naked nationalism, we've been told often enough on this BB.

No. You're British yourself so you have been brainwashed by the British media to think that this is so.

[geGR]

Originally posted by secessionman
The saddest indictment of Hamilton's personality is that we all knew who had said this before we opened the thread.

. Or, to be accurate, that we all knew that if someone has actually said this, that someone has to be Hamilton.

[undersquare]

Originally posted by as65p


You continue to amaze with your inside knowledge of Lewis' mind.

Common sense says it's made up or exaggerated, if they had a real source they'd have named it. We know he wants to be as good as Senna, no insight required there ;) .

[ensign14]

Originally posted by secessionman
The saddest indictment of Hamilton's personality is that we all knew who had said this before we opened the thread.

Could have been a number, only their comments would not be reported by the media.

[scheivlak]

Originally posted by secessionman
The saddest indictment of Hamilton's personality is that we all knew who had said this before we opened the thread.

The first thing I thought was: "What a thread about Tommy Byrne doing here in the forum?"

[Imperial]

Whether he said it or not, it needs to be said that some of the people on this forum are actually making Hamilton seem worse than he really is, simply because every time the guy speaks some clown posts a new thread on the forum to berate him for it (whether deserved or not).

Why don't the people on the board who wish to post everything he says (good or bad) just open a 'Lewis Hamilton Quotes' thread and leave a bit of space on page 1 of the forum for the interesting threads?

[Motormedia]

Originally posted by kar


And also, when operating at that height of competition don't you on some level need to believe not only are you better than anyone else, but better than anyone else before you?

I see it as a sign of insecurity and immaturity. Hamilton will learn and grow into a less childish person with time, I hope. One reason I believe it would do Hamilton good if he lost the championship again is that he will mature a lot quicker and he will be a much better driver for it. He has a long way to go before he reaches the heights of Senna but I have to say, he is one a very few drivers who has the potential to do so and I really hope he does.

[Suntrek]

Originally posted by Imperial
Whether he said it or not, it needs to be said that some of the people on this forum are actually making Hamilton seem worse than he really is, simply because every time the guy speaks some clown posts a new thread on the forum to berate him for it (whether deserved or not).

Why don't the people on the board who wish to post everything he says (good or bad) just open a 'Lewis Hamilton Quotes' thread and leave a bit of space on page 1 of the forum for the interesting threads?

It's not like Hamilton is the only one, as soon as Alonso is "quoted" saying something - preferrably from Sport Bild, F1 live, Planet F1 or some equally reliable source (not) there are bashing threads popping up like mushrooms after rain.

And since I know for sure how many evil twists or outright lies these "sources" (elderly unnamed Brit journo, unnamed Renault engineer, etc... please give me a break! ) have come up with over the years regarding Alonso, I'm sure willing to give Lewis the benefit of a doubt on this one.

[Imperial]

Originally posted by Suntrek


It's not like Hamilton is the only one, as soon as Alonso is "quoted" saying something - preferrably from Sport Bild, F1 live, Planet F1 or some equally reliable source (not) there are bashing threads popping up like mushrooms after rain.

Totally true and it's a shame.

Would just be nice if page 1 of the forum wasn't constantly clogged up with sh!t, meanwhile any decent thread is relegated to the pages that frankly nobody ever looks at.

[pRy]

Things seem to get added onto the end of this conversation with Tozzi with every week that passes.

[Rosemayer]

Originally posted by scheivlak
The first thing I thought was: "What a thread about Tommy Byrne doing here in the forum?"

Not only is Tommy Byrne a poster in TNF he has forgotton more about driving a F 1 car than Hamilton will ever know.

[jcbc3]

I don't want to open a new thread on it, but why hasn't someone questioned Tozzi's arrogance in that interview. There were, after all, a reason for Lewis popping a vein.

[jcbc3]

Originally posted by Rosemayer



Not only is Tommy Byrne a poster in TNF he has forgotton more about driving a F 1 car than Hamilton will ever know.

BS, pure and utter BS.

Tommy Byrne was (and probably still is) a magnificent race driver that fully deserved a shot at F1. But stating that he is/was somehow infinitely superior to Hamilton is ......

[Gareth]

Hamilton to Tozzi: "I can cure cancer and eat fruit pastels without chewing".

[alfa1]

Originally posted by geGR

. Or, to be accurate, that we all knew that if someone has actually said this, that someone has to be Hamilton.

...and that it would be another good opportunity for yet another round of Hamilton-bashing.

What the hell, if people are willing to bash him over things he has actually said, then why not have another round over a probably made-up anonymous-source Bild story.

[Rosemayer]

Originally posted by jcbc3



BS, pure and utter BS.

Tommy Byrne was (and probably still is) a magnificent race driver that fully deserved a shot at F1. But stating that he is/was somehow infinitely superior to Hamilton is correct......

[Man of the race]

He may become as good as Ayrton, never mind if he said that or not, but there is a long way to talking skills of Muhammad Ali.

[postajegenye]

You know, the bad thing about it is that it might not be true, but I could absolutely believe it if it was.

[SpamJet]

Originally posted by Buttoneer
I think that whoever wrote the first post is a complete idiot. If they only had the wisdom and foresight to have added the word 'Hamilton' to the thread title, we could be at over three pages by now.

Yeah, what a waste!

[bankoq]

Originally posted by undersquare


Ah, that makes more sense.

But I would bet that if he said anything it was "I can be as good as Senna was".

I don't think so. I can't remember Lewis saying: "I can be", he always says: "I am". Thus my opinion is that the quote is totally true or... totally false - but nothing between.

[se7en_24]

Originally posted by Rosemayer



Not only is Tommy Byrne a poster in TNF he has forgotton more about driving a F 1 car than Hamilton will ever know.

Alzheimer's is a terrible thing.

[Taxi]

At least he din't say "i'm as good as Schumacher was...". Now that would be stupid!

Really let the guy talk at will. Who cares?

[Rosemayer]

Originally posted by se7en_24

Alzheimer's is a terrible thing.

You can restate that when you grow out of wearing diapers and needing a pacifier.

[Lazarus II]

Oh my, someone stop the presses - THERE ARE EGOMANIACS IN F1!!!!

[se7en_24]

Originally posted by Rosemayer


You can restate that when you grow out of wearing diapers and needing a pacifier.

Oh to be as old and wise as you, I am not worthy.

[mursuka80]

Originally posted by pluto
Hamilton, meanwhile, is this week the subject of criticism in the German press, with the broadcaster RTL pronouncing him a "megalomaniac" for comparing himself with the legendary late triple world champion Ayrton Senna.

"I know that I am as good as Ayrton Senna was," the 23-year-old is quoted as saying.

http://en.f1-live.co...002095425.shtml

Atleast he knows that he is no better than MS.