In sport there will always be divisive personalities, those whose talents catapult them to extraordinary heights and you either love or loathe. Think Shane Warne, think Cristiano Ronaldo, now think Lewis Hamilton.

We know that Nico Rosberg isn’t a fan after their exchange on Sunday, but what is it about the three-time world champion that irks so many people? The Telegraph have laid bare a few truths, shedding light on why this highly successful Briton tends to rub people the wrong way. Here are some excerpts:

The 30-year-old’s playboy lifestyle has meant the British sporting public has never truly taken Hamilton to their hearts. Even as Hamilton revelled in the glory of yesterday’s championship win, he managed to taint the feat of the achievement with the ill-advised decision to throwing a podium cap at Nico Rosberg in a playful-cum-provocative piece of mischief…

(1) Hamilton resides in the tax haven of Monte Carlo having previously lived in Switzerland, which has a similarly relaxed attitude towards what rich people must do with their money. While it’s not uncommon for Formula One drivers in particular to take up residence in Monaco, Hamilton has been accused of forgetting his roots altogether.

When describing his hometown of Stevenage, called the Hertfordshire suburb “a not-so-great place”. There’s a nagging feeling that Hamilton doesn’t care a great deal for where he came from. That’s a clear minus in many people’s eyes…

(2) Hamilton has gone from humble go-karting prodigy to a bleach-blonde-haired fashionista. His Instagram page reads like a infinite timeline of boastful name-dropping…

(3) If there’s one thing that does not scream grounded, it’s tipping yourself for stardom in the world of hip-hop. Earlier this year Hamilton was reported to be in talks with rap-mogul Jay-Z over the potential for a future record deal. Now, we’re not suggesting there’s anything wrong with Hamilton’s musical ambitions, but we’ve had sportsmen switching codes to music before, and it didn’t end well for anybody…

(4) The former McLaren driver seems to find it impossible to win – or lose – with any morsel of grace. Even when things go swimmingly for the 30-year-old, he somehow manages to turn victory into scandal with his over-exuberant behaviour: almost spraying a podium hostess to death with champagne after his Chinese Grand Prix triumph in April.

Now they do go on to give him some credit in lieu of his charity work and generosity towards a number of good causes, chalking up a third point due to his unarguable greatness in the sport. Final tally?

A final look at the trait tally makes it 4-3 on the side of “NO, LEWIS”. Therefore, it’s still fine and correct to dislike Hamilton, despite his relentless winning.

I wouldn’t say I’m his biggest fan but it does sound like sour grapes from the Telegraph to me. Sure he seems like a bit of a knob, and he did hang out with Kanye, and he did spray champagne in that woman’s face, but Brits do love to tear their heroes down when they reach too great a height don’t they?

[source:telegraph]