Lewis Hamilton: Departing Mercedes Driver Explains Why He Refused To Sign Fan’s Helmet

Lewis Hamilton amused fans when he appeared to refuse to sign a helmet from a fan after the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.

Hamilton finished inside the podium places for the first time in over a year. He finished behind the winner and defending champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after finishing third in the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23, 2024. Photo by Chris Graythen.
Source: Getty Images

The Mercedes driver was treated to a warm reception by his fellow winners and fans alike on his return to the podium. It was a record-extending 198th time the Brit had finished on the rostrum, as captured by Formula 1’s website.

Hamilton signed a couple of autographs for the enthusiastic fans on the grid. However, he flatly refused to sign a replica of his helmet with a shake of the head.

A fan online, @Sim asked,

“Someone tell me what was on that helmet that he refused to sign it?”

Fans came up with a lot of theories on why the seven-time champion refused to sign the helmet. As it turns out, the soon-to-be Ferrari driver actually explained why he doesn’t sign helmets in a previous interview with GQ.

“The only thing I refuse to sign would be a helmet. I take a lot of pride in my helmets – that’s my jersey.”

The 39-year-old is so protective of helmets that he rarely gives them out as well.

“I might have given two helmets away to like my boss and a really dear friend who’s passed away now. Those are part of my heritage.”

Hamilton finished fourth in the Austrian Grand Prix on June 30. His teammate George Russell won the race, with Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz taking the other podium places.