'Hamilton comes in only when all the photographers are there, so he can wear the ridiculous clothing'

Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Szafnauer posed a rhetorical question about which Formula 1 driver is always the first to arrive at the circuit. When host Jake Humphrey suggested Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, the former team principal interrupted to make it clear there was only one correct answer: Verstappen.

"Max Verstappen. He is always the first in,” Szafnauer said firmly. He then explained that Hamilton has a very different habit when he arrives at the circuit. According to the Romanian-American, the seven-time world champion actually chooses to get to the track later, so the photographers on site can capture his eye-catching outfits. "Lewis comes in only when all the photographers are there, so he can wear the ridiculous clothing and take pictures."
That remark sparks a light-hearted discussion at the table. Humphrey stood up for the Ferrari driver and says he’s actually a fan of Hamilton’s fashion style. Szafnauer, in turn, can’t relate to that at all. "Really? What is it?" he responded, after which the host explained that Hamilton, in his view, mainly dares to stand out - something Szafnauer did acknowledge.

"He can pull it off, I can’t," the former team principal added. He then gave a playful nod to Hamilton’s private life: "I think the fashion helped with Kim Kardashian, without a doubt."