Lewis Hamilton’s early career included a bold moment that has now been revealed by former Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman. According to Wilman, the young McLaren driver took matters into his own hands when it came to appearing on the popular BBC motoring show. Despite being a rookie at the time, Hamilton showed confidence far beyond his years.
Wilman explained that McLaren boss Ron Dennis initially wanted Hamilton to drive a Mercedes supercar for his Top Gear appearance. Dennis, known for his strict control and polished image of the team, believed the high-performance Mercedes would better reflect the brand and Hamilton’s rising status. However, Hamilton had a different vision for how he wanted to present himself to fans.
The show’s long-running segment “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” required celebrities to tackle the test track in an affordable, modest vehicle—in this case, the Suzuki Liana. Hamilton reportedly insisted on participating in that exact format, just like every other guest, rather than appearing in a more glamorous or privileged setup. For him, fairness and authenticity mattered more than brand expectations.
Despite Dennis’ objections, Hamilton stood his ground. Wilman recalled that the rookie calmly but firmly said he wanted to do the lap in the same car as all previous celebrities. His determination surprised the Top Gear team, who did not expect the young driver to push back against his team principal’s decision so directly.
In the end, Hamilton got what he wanted, and his appearance became one of the standout moments of the segment. Driving the humble Suzuki Liana instead of a flashy Mercedes showcased Hamilton’s competitive spirit, humility, and willingness to challenge authority when necessary—traits that would later define much of his career on and off the track.
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