Another all-TAG Podium
At the time of writing, all three of TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 ambassadors
occupy the top of the driver’s championship, meaning a least one orange-faced
chronograph has waved proudly from every podium of the season so far – not least
from the wrist of McLaren wonderboy Lewis Hamilton. Ron Dennis’ well-groomed (in
both senses of the word) prodigy has already shattered expectations and records
to lead the board by a daunting margin in this, his rookie year, at the tender
age of just 22. He’s edged a rather disgruntled team-mate and title defender
Alonso out of the limelight too. And, he’s British. Clearly plenty of reasons to
celebrate then, in the days leading up to Silverstone in July, and TAG was all
too willing to provide the champagne. At a typically stylish event in west
London, hosted by the luxury sports brand and compère for the evening, ITV
commentator James Allen, Hamilton made his only public appearance of the week,
displaying once again the disarming charisma and humbleness that have won him
such instant popularity (Kimi Räikönnen, take note). Running late, thanks to
“heavy traffic” (was this true, or an example of the famous Swiss sense of
humour?), Hamilton eventually made it on stage, to be confronted by a baffling
assortment of celebs, all armed with burning questions. While Michelin-starred
chef Tom Aikens and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason’s passion for the sport was
never in question, here was another awkward grid formation that Hamilton
navigated with panache. (Left to right) Tom Aikens, Dylan Jones, TAG CEO
Jean-Christophe Babin, Gaby Logan, Nick Mason, Lewis Hamilton and James
Allen.