Hamilton denies demanding payment for signature

Posted on 29/08/2010

Lewis Hamilton says he is happy to sign autographs © Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton has denied that he demanded payment for signing a helmet for organisers of Abu Dhabi's Formula One race.

It was reported at Spa that every driver on the grid had signed the helmet, to be used for an end of season prize, with only the 2008 world champion demanding to be paid. It is understood that Hamilton, recently listed as F1's second highest earner, initially refused to sign the helmet misunderstanding what it would be used for.

"I would never ask for money to sign anything," Hamilton is quoted by the News of the World. "The only thing I ever ask is whether it is for charity."

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh added that it was little more than a misunderstanding and that his drivers gave more time than most signing autographs.

"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.”