Lewis Hamilton’s SPOTY controversy as Lando Norris challenges Luke Littler and Rory McIlroy
F1 world champion Lando Norris is one of six contenders shortlisted for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and rival Lewis Hamilton once gave a lesson in what not to say at the awards show
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Lewis Hamilton once had to backtrack after insulting his own hometown during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards(Image: BBC)
Two-time BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lewis Hamilton once landed himself in hot water when he described his hometown as “the slums” during the prestigious awards ceremony. Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris might want to take notes on what not to say as he competes for this year’s trophy.
The 26-year-old has been shortlisted for SPOTY silverware after beating Max Verstappen to clinch his first F1 championship this month. His nomination for the main prize, which will be awarded on Thursday evening, makes him the first F1 driver to be shortlisted since Hamilton claimed the second of his two titles in 2020.
However, it was during one of Hamilton’s four runner-up appearances that he really misjudged his words. The F1 icon found himself backtracking on his comments as cycling hero Geraint Thomas picked up the award in 2018.
“It’s been a really long journey, a dream for us all, as a family, to do something different, to get out of the slums,” said Hamilton, referring to his upbringing. But his comment didn’t go down well with Sharon Taylor, who was Stevenage Borough Council Leader at the time.
Hamilton’s comment was likely more about his family’s financial circumstances than the area itself. Nevertheless, Taylor felt compelled to reject any suggestion their town could be characterised as slum-like.
“It is disappointing that Lewis Hamilton referred to Stevenage as ‘the slums’ at such a high-profile event,” she said in response. “He clearly realised what he had said and tried to correct it but sadly the people of our town, many of whom admire and support him, felt very offended.”
To his credit, Hamilton appeared to recognise his awkward phrasing immediately and attempted to clarify his remarks. The Ferrari driver, who secured sixth place in this year’s championship standings, redirected his comments towards how he had accomplished so much despite his humble beginnings.
“Well, we would say it’s not the slums, but just come out from somewhere and do something,” he added on-stage. “We all set our goals very high, but we did it as a team.”
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Lando Norris is high in the running to win SPOTY after winning his maiden F1 world title(Image: Clive Rose, Getty Images)
Hamilton subsequently issued another apology on Instagram: “I’m super proud of where I come from and I hope you know that I represent in the best way I can always…particularly when you are up in front of a crowd, trying to find the right words to express the long journey you’ve had in life, I chose the wrong words.”
Norris can undoubtedly say McLaren operated as a collective unit as well, considering the support he received from team-mate Oscar Piastri throughout this season. Indeed, the Australian helped strip the competition and was one of three drivers vying for the title at the season-finale in Abu Dhabi.
The McLaren duo has been the subject of much consternation recently. There’s speculation the manufacturer can’t keep both drivers in the long run as they each harbour championship aspirations, although the partnership is functioning well for now.
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Hamilton won’t be in contention for a third SPOTY award after finishing sixth in the F1 standings this year(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Norris was the main winner this year, narrowly crossing the finish line to end Verstappen’s streak of four consecutive world titles. However, retaining it in 2026 will undoubtedly be challenging, particularly as Piastri sharpens his own championship goals.
The UK’s current top driver will aim to emulate other F1 legends like Hamilton, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and others by clinching SPOTY gold. However, current favourite Rory McIlroy will be tough to beat after his Masters victory saw him finally achieve golf’s career Grand Slam.
