How this incident will affect Lewis Hamilton’s reputation in the long term remains to be see.

Lewis is still a young man, how he will be remembered depends on how he conducts himself from now on; it’s not too late for him to establish his name as one of the all-time greats. Perhaps even to transpose his ‘brand’ beyond Formula One. Those who have sought to criticize the young man would benefit from a moments reflection; what would they have done in his situation?

Almost without exception, most people ‘tow-the-company-line’ and go-along with the instruction of their employer. It is the exceptional individual who is true to themselves irrespective of the consequences.

Lewis may be talented and marketable enough to live with the outcomes of such independence. After all, this is the mark of true talent!