Hamilton not 'playing fair' with title rival Verstappen: Ecclestone

"Max has had a few years of racing but has not had years in the streets like Lewis," said Ecclestone. "It has built character and knowing he would win the race with Mercedes being the dominant force over the past few years has made him a much stronger character than Max.

What does that mean? What "street life" was Hamilton living? He is a person of color who is the the GOAT of racing! The average person "running the streets" does not have the time or income to become a race car driver. It is akin to golf and tennis! His parents were divorced and he lived in a poor area. So, what?

Not everyone has a father who was Formula One racer to support his career and provide a wonderful life like Max Verstappen.

Hamilton's father held 3 jobs to support his racing career growing up. The kid was not robbing liquor stores or fighting with rival gangs. He grew up with two parents that worked together enough to support their child's dreams with excellent results. Is he assuming poor people are criminals or act immorally by default?

This stereotype say more about Ecclestone's bias and possibly anger towards Hamilton solidifying his title as the best ever in history!!!

Unfortunately I have agree with you, Numan. Some of the stuff that Bernie says above may be true, but most of it is rubbish.

Now I now where much of the anti-Lewis bias originated. The fact that Max won "Diver of the Day" last weekend shows that he has just as much, if not more, of a "a massive publicity campaign working for him". All that about Toto Wolff above can be said equally about Christian Horner.

PS Edit = Now I know...

Lewis Hamilton is an arrogant prat. He reminds me a lot of Tiger Woods in how he treats people. I’ve seen up close how he treats other drivers. He’s a bully.

I’ve seen up close how he treats other drivers. He’s a bully.

Sounds like a monster. Care to tell us more about your encounter with this unpleasant man? When I've seen him interviewed he always seems quite respectful to other drivers. And I've never seen him pushing other drivers around or insulting them, which Max has done.

I covered the F1 circuit for many many years and that was my experience with Lewis. He was also insulting and condescending toward Vettel. But maybe your experience was different. I can only report what I saw with my own eyes.

Sounds like a monster. Care to tell us more about your encounter with this unpleasant man? When I've seen him interviewed he always seems quite respectful to other drivers. And I've never seen him pushing other drivers around or insulting them, which Max has done.

Apparently, there is a different standard for POC.

Stickman, thanks for your input. Different insights always interesting. (Did you sense that Lewis did not like you personally?)

I think a lot of it came from the success he enjoyed, it went to his head. But that’s the world of F1. It’s a bizarre world with big egos. The drivers, especially the ones at the top, take themselves way too seriously

He was also insulting and condescending toward Vettel. But maybe your experience was different

I'm calling BS. Even a casual observer like me can see the respect that these two have for each other. Hamilton has always enjoyed racing him, although I admit that I have no idea when or in what capacity you were on the F1 circuit. Probably not at the same time that I was.