Lewis Hamilton’s family tradition that ‘limits’ Christmas worry

Lewis Hamilton opens up on difficult season for Mercedes

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

With the Formula 1 season behind him, Lewis Hamilton and his fellow racing competitors can enjoy a well earned rest after another long, and often chaotic, season of mayhem is behind them. In a season that saw Hamilton finish sixth overall — a long way off his usual World Championship-winning antics — Dutch competitor Max Verstappen clinched his second global crown. Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, can also reflect on a decent debut with Mercedes, as he ended the year in fourth spot, behind rivals Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.

More than a month after the curtain was drawn on the 2022 season, the F1 heroes can finally kick back and enjoy Christmas festivities with those closest to them.

Hamilton gas spoken at lenght about how important family and friends are to him, and once reflected on how he and his family members celebrate Christmas together.

The 37-year-old discussed the ritual in 2020 with the Sunday Times Magazine, claiming he cared more about spending time with his family rather than the materialistic side of Christmas, adding that his “period of wanting things” was over.

Stevenage-born Hamilton for parts of his career had been seen by some critics as someone who reveled in an expensive lifestyle. But, he noted that time had taught him that he “didn’t actually need any of that s**t”.

Hamilton said that “what is really valuable and you can’t get back is time with those you love,” before recalling how his family didn’t “waste money” on one another when it came to purchasing gifts for each other.

The star had previously been criticised for his decision to operate out of Monaco, a well-known location for those wishing to pay no tax on earnings. But he seemed to swerve any notion that he may lavish huge amounts on those closest to him.

He said: “We hit the shops to find cheap gifts, limiting ourselves to just half an hour. Then on Christmas Day we roll the dice and everyone gets to choose the present they want from the pile. It’s the most fantastic thing.”

More recently, Hamilton was at the centre of a Twitterstorm after he was absent from the Formula 1 Secret Santa shenanigans of his competitors. While the gift-giving exercise is optional, some were quick to blast him for not appearing to get involved.

JUST IN: Red Bull hint at further upgrades in Lewis Hamilton blow

Each year, Formula 1 asks drivers asked to pull random names out of a hat to determine who they will purchase a gift for. The likes of Verstappen and Leclerc got involved, as did McLaren’s British driver Lando Norris, who jokingly gave Yuki Tsunoda a framed picture of him and close friend Pierre Gasly.

Gasly himself had fans in stitches as he surprisingly correctly guessed being gifted a Monopoly set from Spaniard Fernando Alonso, adding: “Well, thank you very much Fernando! On top of giving me his car, he gives me Monopoly as well!”

But fans vented their frustration at Hamilton, with Twitter user @dystainak, writing: “Why does Lewis never participate in these? Does he think he’s too good for it or something?”

@MaxVerstappenf8 responded: “Then he cries that he is alone in the paddock”, while @uagecekondu1905 added: ”Lewis c’mon. Why didn’t he participate?”

DON’T MISS:
Max Verstappen key difference when battling Hamilton and Leclerc [ANALYSIS]
FIA release statement after gagging Hamilton and co in new rule change [INSIGHT]
Hamilton and Russell rivalry to be ’10 times worse’ than Rosberg feud [LATEST]

@kian_if81 simply replied: “He never does, thinks he’s too good for it.” @MongelosLariza also commented: “Why does Lewis never participate in these?”

Others were quick to defend Hamilton, with many arguing it was his decision as to whether he should, or shouldn’t, be forced into buying gifts for his fierce competitors.

@Willow__1 added: “Well we his fans aren’t even [bothered] but you are!”

In previous years Hamilton has joined in the sport’s Secret Santa, including in 2017 when he was given an elf costume, as well as a plate for his dog.

Source: Read Full Article