|
Since his debut in 2007 for the McLaren team, Lewis Hamilton was a megastar in the world of Formula 1, fast forward 15 years and now Sir Lewis Hamilton, he has undoubtedly reached heights that most people didn’t think were possible. He has become the biggest name that the sport has ever seen, even surpassing his childhood hero, Ayrton Senna.
With a new generation of drivers coming through, including the highly touted and new world champion, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton still holds the power of being arguably the most important name, figure and driver in Formula 1. His image, voice and reach across the social media world is enormous, it is miles ahead of any other driver and his fans spread around the globe, simply put, when anything happens around Sir Lewis Hamilton, people listen, everybody has an opinion and it makes headlines.
His dominance over the sport of Formula 1 has put him into the same category as other iconic sporting figures such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Muhammad Ali and more.
A quick glance at some of the most amazing records and stats that he holds:
- Most grand prix wins (currently 103)
- Most pole positions (currently 103)
- Most points scored (currently 4165.5)
- Most consecutive points finishes (48)
- Most podiums (currently 182)
- Most races finished in the points (currently 249)
- Total races leading every lap (currently 23)
- World titles (currently 7 – equalled with Michael Schumacher)
While the stats show total dominance over his racing career, none of this covers his work away from the track to bring diversity to the world of motor sport, to help people of all genders, identities, colours, creeds, religions or background to be accepted, welcomed and included by all others. His newly founded Hamilton Commission will continue his great work long into the future, but what items should you be looking to buy if you want to grab hold of something to enjoy now, but as an investment for later?
- Autographed Race Used or Worn Items – Without doubt, memorabilia for Sir Lewis Hamilton is becoming more and more rare by the day with Hamilton becoming a much less frequent signer than in the past. Race worn or used items are generally seen as the holy grail, and especially if they are signed, but such items as these command an extremely high price of in the 5 figures.
- Signed Helmets (Replica Full Size or Half Size) – Next on our list of items to buy would be full size replica or half size helmets that have been signed. Helmets for Formula 1 drivers are like their “Bat Symbol”, easily identifying the driver from the helmet design, colours and style. Lewis’ purple and black helmet from the 2020 and 2021 seasons are the most special in our opinion. 2020 because of the message it carried and the fact that it took him to his record equalling 7th world title and the 2021 helmet because this was his title defending helmet, showing the seven stars (one for each title) and also one of the most exciting and controversial title battles in F1 history again Max Verstappen. In the past 3 years, Sir Lewis Hamilton half sized signed helmets have more than doubled in value and continue to increase season on season.
- Other Race/Driver/Car Related Items – Other race related items such as boots, gloves, visors, brake discs, model cars, pieces of his cars, anything like this is more difficult to come by and usually has less of a demand, but the right item can still be worth good value in years to come.
- Signed Photographs – Autographed photographs of celebrities are always a great thing to have and one of the most common forms of memorabilia collecting. A good Sir Lewis Hamilton signature on the right image can be a fantastic piece. Try to get hold of something with a clear picture of the man himself, or an iconic image of him racing or in the car. Try to avoid anything too “team” related as people can still be a Lewis Hamilton fan, but may not be a fan of his time at McLaren and may want something from his dominant years with Mercedes.
Sir Lewis Hamilton is a worldwide household name and there are no signs of this slowing down, even after his time in Formula 1 comes to an end. In 2022 he will once again fight for a record breaking 8th World Drivers Title in Formula 1, and if he wins it, watch his memorabilia take off faster than his dominant Mercedes car!
Score – 92/100
|
|