F1 world champion Lando Norris is one in every of six contenders shortlisted for BBC Sports activities Character of the 12 months, and rival Lewis Hamilton as soon as gave a lesson in what to not say on the awards present
Two-time BBC Sports activities Character of the 12 months Lewis Hamilton as soon as landed himself in sizzling water when he described his hometown as “the slums” through the prestigious awards ceremony. Newly topped Components 1 world champion Lando Norris may need to take notes on what to not say as he competes for this 12 months’s trophy.
The 26-year-old has been shortlisted for SPOTY silverware after beating Max Verstappen to clinch his first F1 championship this month. His nomination for the primary prize, which will probably be awarded on Thursday night, makes him the primary F1 driver to be shortlisted since Hamilton claimed the second of his two titles in 2020.
Nevertheless, it was throughout one in every of Hamilton’s 4 runner-up appearances that he actually misjudged his phrases. The F1 icon discovered himself backtracking on his feedback as biking hero Geraint Thomas picked up the award in 2018.
“It has been a very lengthy journey, a dream for us all, as a household, to do one thing totally different, to get out of the slums,” mentioned Hamilton, referring to his upbringing. However his remark did not go down effectively with Sharon Taylor, who was Stevenage Borough Council Chief on the time.
Hamilton’s remark was doubtless extra about his household’s monetary circumstances than the world itself. However, Taylor felt compelled to reject any suggestion their city could possibly be characterised as slum-like.
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“It’s disappointing that Lewis Hamilton referred to Stevenage as ‘the slums’ at such a high-profile occasion,” she mentioned in response. “He clearly realised what he had mentioned and tried to right it however sadly the individuals of our city, a lot of whom admire and help him, felt very offended.”
To his credit score, Hamilton appeared to recognise his awkward phrasing instantly and tried to make clear his remarks. The Ferrari driver, who secured sixth place on this 12 months’s championship standings, redirected his feedback in the direction of how he had achieved a lot regardless of his humble beginnings.
“Properly, we might say it is not the slums, however simply come out from someplace and do one thing,” he added on-stage. “All of us set our objectives very excessive, however we did it as a group.”
Hamilton subsequently issued one other apology on Instagram: “I am tremendous happy with the place I come from and I hope you understand that I characterize in one of the simplest ways I can at all times…notably when you find yourself up in entrance of a crowd, looking for the suitable phrases to specific the lengthy journey you have had in life, I selected the unsuitable phrases.”
Norris can undoubtedly say McLaren operated as a collective unit as effectively, contemplating the help he acquired from team-mate Oscar Piastri all through this season. Certainly, the Australian helped strip the competitors and was one in every of three drivers vying for the title on the season-finale in Abu Dhabi.
The McLaren duo has been the topic of a lot consternation not too long ago. There’s hypothesis the producer cannot maintain each drivers in the long term as they every harbour championship aspirations, though the partnership is functioning effectively for now.
Norris was the primary winner this 12 months, narrowly crossing the end line to finish Verstappen’s streak of 4 consecutive world titles. Nevertheless, retaining it in 2026 will undoubtedly be difficult, notably as Piastri sharpens his personal championship objectives.
The UK’s present high driver will purpose to emulate different F1 legends like Hamilton, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and others by clinching SPOTY gold. Nevertheless, present favorite Rory McIlroy will probably be robust to beat after his Masters victory noticed him lastly obtain golf’s profession Grand Slam.
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