Earlier this week Lewis Hamilton made an appearance on US network ABC chat show Jimmy Kimmel live. Lewis Hamilton appearing on a show such as this in the close season serves to further demonstrate the driver’s market appeal away from the track.
Check out a clip from the show here:
Over the course of this week Lewis has received criticism from the likes of Martin Brundle for electing not to attend the Autosport awards earlier in the week:
Sad World Champ LH44 didn’t pass by Autosport Awards for 20mins to at least thrill/motivate young drivers he once was. Unwritten obligation
— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) December 7, 2015
These remarks possibly prompted Lewis to comment on the ceremony during his interview with Kimmel.
Whilst it is unfortunate Lewis elected not to attend the awards, on balance if the decision was between the Autosport Awards, broadcast to a limited established audience or seek to further broaden the awareness of not only Lewis Hamilton himself but of the sport he represents, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel live to an audience of 2.5M was by far the more logical move.
The current era of F1 drivers are often criticised for lacking personality. Lewis Hamilton, has over the course of the 2015 made reestablished the playboy image of F1 drivers with a modern twist. This image makes his profile appealing to an audience away from the sport, Lewis has taken on the role of bringing this audience to F1.
Wilde Consulting 