Lewis Hamilton denies demanding payment for charity autograph

[steelstallions]

http://www.f1sa.com/index.php?option...:f1&Itemid=157

Lewis Hamilton has backtracked after initially refusing to sign a helmet for organisers of Abu Dhabi's Formula One race.

It emerged earlier this weekend at Spa Francorchamps that every driver on the grid had signed the helmet that will be used for a prize, with only the 2008 World Champion demanding to be paid.

But Hamilton, recently listed as Formula 1's highest earner behind Fernando Alonso, has now vowed to add his autograph, after initially misunderstanding what the helmet would be used for.

"I would never ask for money to sign anything," he is quoted by News of the World.

"The only thing I ever ask is whether it is for charity."

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh confirmed: "Lewis has said he will sign it."

"Both Lewis and Jenson do more signature signings than any driver I have ever witnessed and they do it with good grace. They never ask for money," he insisted.
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This is one of many reasons why I don't like the man and would find it very difficult to follow Ferrari if as someone on this board suggested he join Ferrari

He does not deny asking these people for cash to sign the helmet as he misunderstood what they wanted. I understand that makes sense. But then he says "I would never ask for money to sign anything,"( which is quoted in more than the above source).

I find it hard to like anyone who is so blatantly false. I would prefer no comment instead of the rubbish he comes up with to cover for his flaws. It would be expecting too much for him to just say "I did ask for cash as I misunderstood what it was for" end of.

Such as the day after Hamilton's lies were exposed by the FIA at the Australian GP.
He lied to them and then comes out with this beauty "I am not a liar. I'm not a dishonest person"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/mot...rand-Prix.html

[mad_ani]

I would like to tell you my experience at the Oz Gp this year, where Jenson Button refused to sign a replica helmet. Drivers signed almost anything except helmets and race overall...
I guess they believe that fans would put such stuff on ebay or so and such autographed stuff cost upward of $500 at an authorised dealer

[justjesper]

And why do they have a problem with that ? The person buying a ticket and the item has already given them money. Unless the drivers wants to make the money them self ?

[GregoryJenkins]

And why do they have a problem with that ? The person buying a ticket and the item has already given them money. Unless the drivers wants to make the money them self ?

To be fair though, its not what the signatures are for. I had to explain to a child why Kubica couldn't sign anything for him (he was swamped, I totally understand) but if i thought most of those people who swamped him were only looking for ebay items - it kinda ruins the whole thing. It's exciting for the kids and anything that needlessly prevents that I would have a problem with. Although I doubt it would've helped in my situation hehe. We probably should have gone to the designated signing area in hindsight!

[Brakefade]

Well if they sign every replica helmet and race coverall that fans hand to them it would devalue them, and charity organizations use these items to raise their funds.