After Michael Schumacher's fans condemned Lewis Hamilton for his alleged "insensitive" comments toward the former Formula One superstar's achievements, the new three-time champion refuted the claims of slamming Schumacher. As a matter of fact, he told Schumi's fans not to believe all that they read, explaining that he's one of Michael's biggest admirers.
Earlier this month, German tabloid Kolner Express quoted Lewis Hamilton's comments about Michael Schumacher's achievements. As previously reported, Schumacher's fans were outraged over Hamilton's comments that seemed to insinuate the divided opinions about the F1 legend's wheel-to-wheel tactics or the favoritism speculations within Ferrari and tire supplier Bridgestone.
"I've never done the things that Michael did to win my titles," Hamilton said. "I won mine with my natural abilities only."
Considering the current condition of 46-year-old Michael Schumacher, however, his Kerpen-based fans club president Reiner Ferling said that Hamilton could have been more careful with his words. Schumacher, who had suffered a serious brain injury due to an unfortunate skiing accident at the French Alpine resort of Meribel in December 2013, is currently recovering and undergoing rehabilitation at the comforts of his home in Geneva, Switzerland
"Hamilton should probably switch on his brain before he talks," Ferling said. "He should learn about what Michael achieved. I just say, pride comes before a fall."
Due to the backlash, Lewis Hamilton took to Instagram to refute the claims of Michael Schumacher's fans.
"To all the Michael Schumacher fans, I want you to know how big a fan and admirer of Michaels I am," Hamilton wrote. "I grew up watching him from the early days through to his 7th title. He was and is the greatest of our time and I am hugely proud and grateful to have met him and spent even the littlest time with."
"He was always kind to me," he continued. "One day at his last race, I managed to find the courage to go see him and ask if he would honour me by swapping helmets in which he so graciously did. Please do not believe all that you read. I would never wish to disrespect him nor his family and I hold them in the highest regard. I keep him in my prayers as a fellow driver wishing for his recovery. Best wishes to you. Lewis #Legend #respect #godbless"
Meanwhile, as Michael Schumacher takes the road to recovery, his son Mick is also carving his own career in the racing world. In fact, Daily Mirror reported that Mick has been invited to take part in a Mercedes event in December, which will also feature world champions Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Aside from Mercedes, Ferrari is reportedly showing interest in Michael Schumacher's 16-year-old son, who ended the 2015 Formula 4 season in 10th place.
In other news, Michael Schumacher's family win the rights to host the world reigning championships, another Daily Mirror report revealed. The custom-built venue in Schumacher's ranch in Switzerland has gotten the approval of the World Equestrian Federation (FEI) in Brazil on Nov. 11. His wife Corinna and daughter Gina have both competed in the western-style riding competition.
