19/04/2016
NEWS STORY
Bernie Ecclestone has made no secret of the fact that in his opinion Lewis Hamilton is its best asset.
Though the F1 supremo insists that no driver, or team, is bigger than the sport, he acknowledges that the Briton's rock 'n' roll lifestyle attracts interest from way beyond its normal reaches as Hamilton jets around the world rubbing shoulders with stars of screen, recording studio, catwalk and politics.
Whilst some claim his celebratory lifestyle is impacting his racing, and that some of his antics result in negative publicity, Ecclestone, despite believing that drivers should keep their mouths shut and get on with the job, remains a fan.
Speaking to CNN, Hamilton insists that he doesn't owe the sport anything, that he's put in as much as he's taken out, put in far more than any other driver.
"I've been here for 10 years... given my blood, sweat and tears for the sport," he said. "So, I don't feel like I owe it anything.
"I actually probably promote the sport more than any other driver ever has," he continued. "I'm at more events talking about Formula One more than any driver ever has... probably all the other drivers put together and more.
"I don't feel like I have any more of a responsibility. I've got some incredible fans and I give as much time as I can to motivate them and energize those who do follow me. So I don't know what else I have to give."
At a time the Grand Prix Drivers' Association is pushing for more say in the sport, Hamilton, who is not a member, doesn't share its view, feeling it won't be listened to anyway.
"Ultimately sport, business... it's money and power. We (the drivers) will say stuff but ultimately it's those people who are sitting in their chair, striking a pen, paying checks, making money, that will be the ones that (have the final say)," he said. "I'm not saying it's wrong. It's just like a corporate business... money is the power, money is the ruler. The people who own the sport make the decisions."
Asked if he would like more of a say, he replies: "Not really. It doesn't make any difference."
And of his relatively poor start to the 2016 season, and his teammate's gathering momentum...
"As long as I know I've given absolutely everything that's in my physical power and mental ability, as long as I've given everything, I can never be upset. Hopefully I've still showed that fighting spirit that I've always had since I was a kid.
"So another 18 races to go. Still got a great car. Still got a great team. It's important that none of us change anything.
"He's done a great job," he said of his teammate. "I've not been there to really be in the fight with him, he's had pretty much a breeze for the last three races. Good for him.
"But he should enjoy it whilst it lasts, because you never know how long it's going to last."
Hmm.