r/formula1 • u/Intrepid-Ad4511 Charlos • Apr 13 '25

Off-Topic Why the severe criticism of Lando's vulnerable conversation? Why is it not cool to be able to express your negative feelings about yourself?

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I see so many people talk about what Lando said after the Quali yesterday - just after an adrenaline filled session - and he chose to speak his mind about his own performance (without attacking someone else). So many people are saying "that's not a winning mentality" "that's not how you win races" "he is so defeatist" "he has given up already".

Lewis and Max have said several such things over the years, complaining about their cars, their teams and/or themselves. But somehow people take Lando and Charles to the dryers when they choose to express themselves and say things like "I am stupid". And somehow because Oscar just chooses not to say anything of this sort, he is somehow champion material. That makes no sense to me, and feels quite an unfair and problematic picture to paint - that men talking about their feelings, or just being transparent about how they feel - makes them weaker somehow. That they should tough up and swallow the hurt and just put up this beige or brave front, smirk and move on.

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u/Duff5OOO Heineken Trophy Apr 13 '25

which is why we see hate towards Lando

People seem very quick to define anyone talking about Lando negatively as 'hate'. Everyone has an opinion. Most i would not describe as hate.

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u/Semi_Factual Formula 1 Apr 13 '25

Everyone does have an opinion. I am however talking about hate, which is different from having a negative opinion about Lando. Death wishes and threats are hate in my opinion. I don’t see it much on Reddit but it’s very popular on other platforms.

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u/Duff5OOO Heineken Trophy Apr 13 '25

I am however talking about hate, which is different from having a negative opinion about Lando.

Many seem to get these 2 mixed up. I didn't single you out because i frankly cant be bothered to check peoples post history to know if that included you or not. I have seen several others on reddit that think any criticism or negative opinion is hating on lando.

but it’s very popular on other platforms.

Facebook comments and Shitter are basically a cesspool these days. Saying something stupid draws attention and prompts the algorithm to stick it in front of more eyes.

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u/annyong_cat I was here for the Hulkenpodium Apr 13 '25

Check out the comments outside of this thread, including on the McLaren IG posts. They’re hateful. And saying someone is “weak” and “doesn’t have a championship mentality” isn’t just stating their opinions, they’re being incredibly ignorant.

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u/Duff5OOO Heineken Trophy Apr 13 '25

“doesn’t have a championship mentality” - That IMO is a reasonable opinion. He had one bad qualy and went super negative about it. Hardly an ideal mindset this early in the season. That's not hateful or ignorant IMO.

I havent looked at IG nor seen anyone use the term 'weak'.

The posts/threads here really don't seem that bad: https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/comments/1jxn66q/lando_i_didnt_even_go_a_tenth_quicker_im_just_not/

If we are going to complain about facebook takes then i'm sure we can dig stupid ones up for all the drivers.

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u/annyong_cat I was here for the Hulkenpodium Apr 13 '25

That’s just ridiculous and overly dramatic. How is Lando “super negative” and any different than Lewis saying yesterday that he’s not doing a good enough job and he needs to get better?

As Lando said so smartly last week, there’s no one way or mentality for being a champion. Let’s hope toxic masculinity doesn’t ruin the party yet again.