Bernie Ecclestone believes Lewis Hamilton's activities away from the track make him "bigger than Formula 1".
There's no doubt the six-time world champion is the most recognisable driver on the current grid for casual and non-F1 fans due to his success and his celebrity status.
Indeed, when Ecclestone was still F1 CEO, he would often want Hamilton to become champion because of the extra publicity he brought.
And it's because of that, that the 89-year-old made the bold claim.
"He’s different and that’s great," Bernie said of Hamilton speaking with Autocar.
"He’s a first-class guy. He’s actually bigger than F1. Nothing wrong with launching clothing lines or having rappers as friends."
Also Read:
- Jordan: Hamilton off to Ferrari, Mercedes will sell to Stroll
- Hamilton more focused on results than money in his final years in F1
- 'Unblemished' Hamilton unique among other multi-time F1 champions
Hamilton himself has also become more comfortable in using his platform to bring attention to causes like climate change.
He was also the only driver to criticise F1's decision to go to Australia back in March, claiming "cash in king", and was widely praised for not toeing the line.
"I don’t think people give him an instruction book and start telling him what to do. He’s in a position where he can speak out and wake a few people up, and I’m pleased he’s using it," Ecclestone added,
"He has also said he feels the sport is a bit too safe now, which I agree with. I don’t want anybody to get hurt, but some of that knife-edge excitement has gone from it."
Naturally, his success and other factors have made Hamilton a polarising figure, but the Mercedes driver insists he won't change.
"I always believe in being true to yourself and others, and being transparent on social media is part of that," he recently told Italian publication Style.
"Being in my position, yes you are opening yourself up to scrutiny, but I know that my fans consistently support me and have my back.
"I think the traditional idea of what it is to be ‘masculine’ is changing and people are starting to realise that you don’t need to be invincible.
"There is strength in showing your vulnerability."
