Lewis Hamilton has been slammed by F1 fans for being allegedly “disrespectful” at the Austrian Grand Prix. Hamilton was seen putting his fingers into his ears as the Austrian national anthem played minutes before the start of Sunday’s race.
His decision prompted anger from viewers with many calling his actions unacceptable. The Mercedes star appeared to be the only driver not listening with other F1 stars caught on camera observing the anthem.
@PencilWashingt1 said: “Pretty disrespectful. Lewis Hamilton during the Austrian anthem.” @iamsidge added: “@LewisHamilton nothing like insulting the host country by putting your fingers in your ears for their national anthem! #disgusting.”
@DaanBarnard remarked: “Lewis Hamilton’s disrespectful gesture during the Austrian national anthem. Covering his ears – a lack of sportsmanship that doesn’t go unnoticed. If any other driver had done the same, the backlash would’ve been immense. #F1 needs to ensure rules apply to all.”
@emmadaylight wrote: “Why is Lewis Hamilton blocking his ears during the Austrian national anthem?” The anthems are usually played at F1 races around 15 minutes before the start of the race. Drivers must line up at the front of the grid for the pre-race ceremony just before the warm-up lap.
Some social media users even took aim at Hamilton’s life away from the racetrack, suggesting the Briton would not have done the same in front of his star-studded pals. It comes just a week after he was spotted at Glastonbury enjoying Elton John’s headline show on Sunday evening.
@FitzroyWatson2 commented: “Disgraceful watching Lewis Hamilton with his fingers in his ears during the Austrian national anthem. Surely for a few seconds he can listen. I bet he doesn’t do that at a Beyoncé or Snoop dog concert. I wonder why?”
@GeoNerd123 added: “Is it just me who saw Lewis Hamilton put his fingers in his ears for the whole Austrian nation anthem wtf is that about, come on show some respect.” @Jellybean7790 posted: “Lewis Hamilton put his fingers in his ears during Austrian national anthem a bit rude that don’t you think?”
Hamilton has previously supported F1’s pre-race build-up and backed new driver introductions seen at the Miami Grand Prix. He explained: “I think it is cool that the sport’s continuously growing and evolving and they’re not just doing the same stuff that they’ve done in the past.
“They’re trying new things, they’re trying to improve the show always and I am in full support of it.”
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