Seven times a world champion, 103 race wins, and 104 pole positions. Lewis Hamilton, in these terms, is the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1 racing. He’s even been knighted for his exploits and contribution to British sport. It makes sense that all the success experienced on track goes together with fame off the track.
His legion of fans, dubbed Team LH, have populated many a grandstand around the world; eager to cheer him on and salute his achievements. But as grand as it is to cheer from the bleachers, most fans have the aspiration to one day meet their favourite driver and perhaps snag an autograph. In the world of autograph seekers Hamilton has shared that he has signed just about everything imaginable. “I’ve signed someone’s forehead, [a] cheek!” said Hamilton in a recent interview with GQ magazine.
But even though he is clearly willing to sign select body parts, there are some things he is not willing to sign. Specifically, he has chosen not to sign his helmet as he regards it as part of his “heritage”.
Easy Hamilton-haters, it’s not because he considers himself an elite. In fact, the reason makes sense.
Aside from Hamilton noting his helmets as his heritage, he has also stated that he would like to, one day, place them in a museum with his race cars so that people can see his racing journey.
This is a concept that has already been put into use by the Schumacher family. In Cologne, Germany, an incredible collection of cars and original memorabilia are housed in the Michael Schumacher Private Collection. The memorabilia on display include, for example, even his earliest car raced in the 1988 Formula Ford championship.
It’s a nostalgic collection of Grand Prix memories that deserves to be maintained and honoured and well regarded. It makes perfect sense that Lewis Hamilton sees a similar collection in his future. After all, he’s broken more than a few records in F1 and some barriers too.
