Formula One: How Lewis Hamilton Stays in News Through Each Controversy; Latest, Penning Tribute to Michael Schumacher

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Lewis Hamilton and headlines are made for each other. Day in and day out, the seven-time Formula One champion is a news-maker, be it in social media or regular media platforms. Surprisingly, even though he has had an average season with Mercedes in 2024, he continues to indulge in gimmicks.

This is his hallmark, this is his template -- froth, foam and get aggressive. When he had a pathetic finish in the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos not too long back, he was howling on the radio. Everyone knows, most of the communication between the driver and the team on the radio can be heard even on TV.

Hamilton was furious, called his car all kinds of adjectives. Fortunately, Hamilton spared his engineers and all those who work at Mercedes in the paddock. What has surprised many is how Hamilton has threatened to not even compete in the remaining three races left this season.

He feels his car is junk and he can do nothing in it. The time difference between him and Max Verstappen winning the race had left the Briton red-faced. All talk in the paddock and among F1 fans is Hamilton is already looking ahead to his next three years with Ferrari.

Everyone who has followed F1 knows, Ferrari fans are reverential. Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public for over a decade, following his ski crash, but for those who still worship him, Hamilton coming to the Prancing Horse is not really great news.

It is well known, Mercedes, which helped Hamilton win most of his seven World Championship titles, have learnt to put up with his tantrums. His outburst at the Mercedes car may be justified but certainly not something which will leave great memories.

Hamilton being Hamilton, he may still compete in the next three races since a farewell has also been planned for him in Abu Dhabi, the season finale. By then, Max Vertsappen should have sealed the championship again.

What has caused more grief for Schumacher fans, very recently, is Hamilton penning a tribute for Schumacher. The Schumi family uses his social media handles and generates great traction.

The reactions from Schumacher fans is anger, as they feel Hamilton is not the best guy to be writing a foreword. A book to mark Schumacher's 30th anniversary of his first F1 championship title is a nice thought, but Hamilton as a writer has angered many.

It is also learnt Hamilton has started learning Italian. To be based at the Ferrari headquarters in Italy and using Enzo Ferrari's residence is a massive privilege. This has been done so that Hamilton can avoid the media glare and focus on just his car and team for three years, from the 2025 season.

However, for all those who know F1 best, Hamilton's 50 million Pounds per year deal with Ferrari is not just because he is a champion driver any longer. The legacy of Ferrari and wanting to win a championship again is understandable. But then, Hamilton will be 40 in January.

Ferrari means Schumacher and vice versa. The very thought of Hamilton coming as a star driver is more about business than his skills. Hamilton has that ability to attract sponsors and rev up Ferrrari's income. If not, they would not be spending so much money on a controversial driver past prime.

Someone like Bernie Ecclestone, the former big boss of F1 has said there is no chance Hamilton will win Ferrari an eighth world title. He has seen the sport closely and never minces words. Never mind, Hamilton will still make news, daily. That's his USP.