Lewis Hamilton stands as one of the most decorated drivers in Formula 1 history, holding the record for the most Grand Prix victories. Yet, beyond the glittering trophies and championship titles, the British racing icon has frequently displayed a volatile temper when faced with adversity on the track. This characteristic has come under renewed scrutiny following revelations about his personal life and past conflicts with teams and rivals.
A Secret Romance and Fears of a 'Nasty Streak'
Recent reports have unveiled that the 41-year-old motor racing ace is enjoying a clandestine relationship with SKIMS founder Kim Kardashian, 45. The pair have been discreetly spotted together in various locales, including London, the Cotswolds, and Aspen, since New Year's Eve, suggesting a rapidly progressing connection.
However, this new chapter coincides with concerning remarks from associates of his former partner, Nicole Scherzinger. Friends of the singer have expressed apprehension about Hamilton's purported 'nasty streak', revealing he was notoriously 'hard to please' during their past relationship. This backdrop casts a fresh light on the driver's well-documented history of emotional outbursts during his illustrious career.
Unbearable Fury: A Nightmare Ferrari Debut
The 2024 season marked Hamilton's challenging transition to Ferrari, culminating in what he described as an 'unbearable amount of anger and rage'. His bid to conclude a dismal first year with the Italian team on a high note spectacularly unravelled at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. Qualifying a lowly 16th—which, alarmingly, was an improvement after qualifying last in Las Vegas and 17th in Qatar—left him lamenting over team radio, 'Every time, mate'.
This qualifying disaster was preceded by a high-speed crash during final practice, where he lost control at turn nine and slammed into the barriers, causing a red flag. While able to walk away, the incident inflicted serious front-end damage on his Ferrari, leaving mechanics with a frantic repair job. Hamilton later confessed, 'I don’t have the words to describe the feeling inside me. There is just an unbearable amount of anger and rage.'
Radio Rants and Team Tensions
Hamilton's frustrations have often boiled over into explosive team radio transmissions. A prime example occurred during the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix while he was still with Mercedes. A critical strategic decision during a safety car period—opting not to pit for fresh tyres—saw his lead vanish, eventually dropping him to fourth place. His fury was palpable: 'I can’t believe you guys f***ing screwed me, man. I can’t tell you how p****d I am right now,' he blasted. He later apologised, stating he had 'lost it for a second', but the season ended without a win, a first since his 2007 debut.
The tension reached another peak after the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, a weekend he dubbed a 'disaster'. Finishing 11th in the sprint and 10th in the race, he criticised his Mercedes as the 'worst the car has ever been', describing it as feeling like 'a plank of wood' with no suspension. His frustration was so severe he hinted at quitting the season early, stating he could 'happily go and take a holiday'.
Fierce Rivalries and Collisions
Hamilton's combative nature has also defined his relationships with fellow drivers. His intense rivalry with Max Verstappen peaked during the dramatic 2021 season. At the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a controversial incident saw Verstappen brake suddenly, leading to a collision. Hamilton vented, 'This guy's f***ing crazy, man,' later accusing him of 'dangerous driving' and being 'over the limit'.
Earlier in his career, his debut 2007 season at McLaren was marred by a bitter feud with then-teammate Fernando Alonso. The tension was not merely verbal but manifested on track. In Monaco, Hamilton aggressively pressured Alonso despite team orders to hold position, admitting he was trying to force a mistake. The feud escalated, with Alonso blocking him in the pit lane during a later qualifying session. Their internal conflict arguably cost McLaren the championship, as both drivers finished just one point behind the winner.
The Rosberg Rift: Friendship Turned Sour
Perhaps one of the most personal conflicts was with childhood friend and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg. Their relationship, forged in youth, disintegrated under the pressure of competition. After Rosberg's victory at the 2014 Monaco GP, Hamilton fumed over perceived favourable treatment, stating, 'We're not friends. We're colleagues.' The rivalry culminated in 2016 when Rosberg won the championship; Hamilton reportedly needed persuasion to even shake his hand on the podium.
As Lewis Hamilton navigates a new romantic chapter with Kim Kardashian, the spotlight inevitably returns to the fiery temperament that has both fuelled his unparalleled success and sparked controversy throughout his Formula 1 journey. From radio rants to strained team dynamics and fierce rivalries, his emotional reactions remain as much a part of his legacy as his record-breaking wins.
