Renowned F1 photographer defends Hamilton over CONTROVERSIAL viral picture
Renowned F1 photographer defends Hamilton over CONTROVERSIAL viral picture
Renowned F1 photographer Kym Illman has defended Lewis Hamilton amid a controversy sparked by an image of the Briton from the Belgian Grand Prix. The picture shows Charlotte Davies, Mercedes' press officer, holding an umbrella for the Mercedes driver.
Illman took to Instagram to speak up on the issue on Friday, posting a candid post about the moment between the two as they walked in the rain on their way back to the paddock at Spa-Francorchamps. Illman's post has grabbed the eyes of many of his followers. This post garnered an overwhelming response with 40,000 likes and more than 450 comments.
The photographer revealed that a third of the comments on the post were overly critical of Lewis Hamilton in the controversial viral image. Those criticizing the 38-year-old driver have questioned why he wasn't holding his umbrella while walking in the rain.
READ MORE: F1 drivers out of contract: Hamilton heads select group
Illman talks down at the double standards about women in F1
Illman explained his view of the entire incident in the Instagram post.
“Who is holding the umbrella? Well, that’s Charlotte Davies,” he explained. “And her role is press officer at Mercedes, so she has to accompany Lewis to a lot of the media commitments. Do you think this is people not liking Lewis, or is that people just don’t like women holding umbrellas for men?”
Illman lashes out at the sheer hypocrisy and bias in the attitude of his F1 fans toward the image. Highlighting the matter, he shared a carousel of pictures where F1 drivers received similar help with umbrellas from their press officers.
Through this visual representation, the photographer expressed his bitterness towards the F1 community for the double standards about women being a part of motorsport.
“Now all of these women I’ve featured here are working for the team,” Illman said. “It’s their job to accompany the driver. They are paid money to do this.”
To contradict his fans' criticism of Lewis Hamilton, Illman posted an image of the British driver returning the favour by holding up an umbrella for his former trainer and close friend Angela Cullen in the rain. Cullen often held the umbrella for Hamilton.
READ MORE: Who is Angela Cullen? Confidante and rock for F1 icon Lewis Hamilton
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 decision announced regarding points system change
- 3 minutes ago
Verstappen sent Horner CLEAR message before Newey bombshell
- 1 hour ago
Horner admits Red Bull star may NEVER return to team
- 2 hours ago
F1 team OFFICIALLY confirms signing of new lead driver
- 3 hours ago
F1 News Today: Hamilton hints Newey Ferrari move as Verstappen takes swipe at F1 rival
- Today 06:57
Newey Red Bull EXIT date revealed as F1 star confirmed at new team - GPFans F1 Recap
- Yesterday 23:57
Related news
Incredible statistic puts Verstappen AHEAD of Hamilton record
Fierce rival calls Hamilton F1's GOAT in surprise admission
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
Former F1 chief hits out at Hamilton 'EXCUSES'
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860