Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has praised Lewis Hamilton in a recent interview, calling him the only Formula 1 driver “above a team” and crediting his unmatched global influence. Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Steiner explained that Hamilton’s presence transcends Formula 1 in a way no other current driver can claim. “In Formula One the only one above a team is Lewis Hamilton,” Steiner said.
Guenther Steiner Says Lewis Hamilton Stands Above the Sport originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has praised Lewis Hamilton in a recent interview, calling him the only Formula 1 driver “above a team” and crediting his unmatched global influence.
Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Steiner explained that Hamilton’s presence transcends Formula 1 in a way no other current driver can claim.
“In Formula One the only one above a team is Lewis Hamilton,” Steiner said. “His presence, his status—it’s also huge outside the sport. That’s what it comes down to.”
While Formula 1 is known for being a team-driven sport, Steiner suggested Hamilton is the rare exception. He drew parallels to global football icons, saying, “You’re great within the sport, but if you become great outside of the sport, you’re greater than the team itself.”
Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, joined Ferrari for the 2025 season—an iconic move that Steiner believes has only amplified the power dynamic. “We see it now with Lewis and Ferrari—two huge brands together,” he added. “Sometimes there’s almost a conflict: who is bigger, Ferrari or Lewis?”
It’s a statement that reinforces Hamilton’s position not just as an elite athlete but a pop culture figure with reach far beyond motorsport. From fashion to activism, Hamilton has made headlines around the world and built a fanbase that extends well beyond the paddock.
🚨| Guenther Steiner on Sir Lewis Hamilton being bigger than the sport:
— sim (@simsgazette) July 18, 2025
"I think in Formula One the only one above a team is Lewis Hamilton. His presence, his status, it's also huge outside the sport, because that's what it comes down to. You're great within the sport, but if… pic.twitter.com/RL2od9Urb5
As Hamilton races in red for the first time this year, Steiner’s comments highlight just how seismic the pairing of Lewis and Ferrari really is—and how one man may have outgrown even the most legendary team in motorsport.
Related: Lewis Hamilton Posts BTS’s Jimin in His Dior Outfit, Fans Can’t Handle It
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
