F1: Five Questions for #44
Last winter, a former colleague called.
You know the type - automotive, partner-ish, European, slick - in the best of ways.
“I have a crazy idea and you are just the kind of thinker I need for this one.”
Intrigued and flattered, I encouraged him.
“Tell me.”
He went on for a little bit, vaguely sharing the business context of his inquiry and a grand vision.
After we’d brainstormed for 10 minutes, he asked:
“Hypothetically speaking, if you could get anyone in the automotive industry on a stage to interview, who would you pick?”
Without hesitation, I blurted out: “It’s gotta be Lewis Hamilton, duh!”
Aware of my fanaticism for the Formula One superstar, he replied: “Of course you would, you are totally crazy!”
He knows me.
“What would you ask him?”, he asked curiously.
Ensued a jovial discussion about an imaginary interview with #44.
P.S. I love that guy.
—
My Five Questions for Lewis Hamilton
You are everywhere. Especially since going red. In fact, I just saw you in a lululemon ad! And in The Movie obvi. How do you pick your off-track projects? Surely it can’t just be about the money! How do you do so much yet still remain selective?
What’s something you just won’t do? What do you say no to? What’s out of bounds?
Of all F1 drivers, you are known for your ability to deeply connect with fans. You talk to us personally in the mainstream media, acknowledge us in your interviews, curate your social channels for us and welcome everyone to the 44 community. When you look at the current F1 growth spurt, what’s something you see is missing in the fan experience?
We are seeing more and more big tech companies partner with F1 teams - and drivers. What tech trends are you keeping up with? What social benefits do you see coming from these kinds of mega-corporate partnerships?
And of course I gotta ask you about love… What do you love most about your life right now? What would you change about the sport to bring more love to it?
—
Based on a true story. This article was entirely written by a human (she/her).
