Lewis Hamilton has previously explained why he doesn’t autograph helmets after being spotted declining to sign one at the Austria Grand Prix in Spielberg
Lewis Hamilton has been captured refusing to sign a replica helmet for a fan – but has already made his reasons clear.
As usual, the seven-time F1 champion has been a man in demand at the Austrian Grand Prix. Hamilton took time to meet fans during a hectic autograph session, which saw him sign caps and mini replicas of his Mercedes car.
However, when presented with a replica of his famous yellow helmet with a Brazil flag on the back, he straight-up declined to sign it. The incident was caught on video and shared on social media, prompting F1 fans to question why.
However, Hamilton has previously addressed why he doesn’t sign helmets in his iconic colour scheme. In an interview, with GQ Magazine last year, he explained: “The only thing I refuse to sign would be a helmet. I take a lot of pride in my helmets – that’s my jersey.”
Hamilton is so protective of his helmets that he seldom gives them away. He explained: “I might have given two helmets away, to like my boss and a really dear friend who’s passed away now.
“Those are part of my heritage. One day I want to put them all in a museum with all my cars and stuff so people can see the journey from where I started.”
Hamilton is happy to sign anything else for fans, even people’s faces. He revealed: “A lot of fans throw their babies to me [and say], ‘Hey, hold my baby!’ Now you’re stuck with this baby. I’ve signed someone’s forehead, cheek.”
Hamilton recorded his best result of the season in Spain last weekend but has been on the back foot ahead of Sunday’s Austrian GP. He started and finished sixth in the Sprint and then trailed teammate Russell in qualifying for the main event. Russell leads Hamilton 9-2 over one lap this year.
“Ah, I am just slow, mate,” he reported on the radio, as he finished nearly six-tenths back from pole-sitter Max Verstappen. Hamilton’s weekend was summed up when he left his garage with the rear jack still attached to his Mercedes.
The equipment fell off without major drama but Hamilton was still summoned to see the stewards on the charge of an “unsafe release”. Mercedes were fined 5,000 euros (£4,240) for the offence.
