Why Lewis Hamilton refuses to sign F1 helmets after previously snubbing fan's request

Lewis Hamilton usually accommodates fan requests for autographs, photos and signatures - but he specifically does not sign replicas of his F1 helmets.

The seven-time world champion has used a yellow-patterned helmet throughout much of his F1 career, with his Vodafone-sponsored helmet while at McLaren arguably one of the best-looking in the sport's history.

He would later transition to a purple helmet during his latter years at Mercedes, while he also wore a rainbow helmet at some circuits in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

The yellow lid has made a return this season as Hamilton embarks on a new era with Ferrari, though he is still awaiting the type of success he would have hoped for as the Scuderia search for ways to improve their car.

Last season, a viral clip emerged that showed Hamilton signing a number of items outside Mercedes' paddock building at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Brit was happy to sign a Mercedes cap and a shirt, but waved away a replica helmet when it was presented to him by a member of his team.

That prompted fan questions about why he refused to provide his signature, given that it was a replica of a special helmet that Hamilton wore at the previous season's Brazilian Grand Prix.

In 2023, Hamilton offered the real explanation during an interview with GQ.

"The only thing I refuse to sign would be a helmet," he said. "I take a lot of pride in my helmets - that's my jersey. I might have given two helmets away, to like my boss and a really dear friend who's passed away now. Those are part of my heritage.

"One day I want to put them all in a museum with all my cars and stuff so people can see the journey from where I started."

A fan on Twitter, meanwhile, noted how they had presented Hamilton with a replica helmet at a signing session before the Belgian Grand Prix, but he did not sign it.

Though the fan did not give a specific date of the interaction - simply writing 'years ago' - they recalled: "The people with him said he has a contract with his helmet manufacturer to only sign their helmets, which are sold and distributed by them as official products."

Indeed, several autographed Hamilton helmets can be found online, with Elite Exclusives selling a signed 'mini helmet' from his time at Mercedes which is retailed at an eye-watering £995.

His current helmet manufacturer is Bell, with the seven-time champion having switched from previous brand Arai back in 2015.

Another fan posted on Reddit that he had been given the same information when meeting Hamilton at a karting event in around 2019.

He noted how the 40-year-old interacted with him and posed for a photo, but was told by his manager that he was only permitted to sign official merchandise so could not sign his custom helmet.