Lewis Hamilton set many Formula One records over the course of his career, and proved he has unparalleled driving talent but is being left-handed one of the things that make him unique?
Lewis Hamilton isn’t left-handed, and judging by the photos that show him signing autographs, he mostly uses his right hand. Left-handed Formula One drivers are a true rarity, but they do exist – Hamilton just doesn’t happen to be one of them.
Hamilton’s Left Hand Tattoos
Lewis Hamilton is not a leftie, and he uses his right hand to sign autographs every time he faces a horde of screaming fans. If you scroll through his Instagram you’ll notice there’s still one activity he usually does with his left hand – holding his phone, and taking selfies.
This isn’t the only reason why Hamilton’s left hand caught people’s eye. The Formula One champion has many interesting tattoos, and one of the most intriguing ones just happens to be located on his left hand.
Back in 2018, Hamilton discussed his tattoos with GQ, and broke down the meaning behind them. He explained that his body art collection quickly grew after he got inked for the first time, because he immediately started thinking of the next tattoo that resonates with him.
One of the tattoos he didn’t discuss was Metatron’s cube on his left hand, but his fans figured that one out on their own. This sacred geometrical symbol consists of every shape in creation, and it was named after the angel Metatron, who oversaw the flow of energy inside the cube.
Left-Handed Race Drivers
Hamilton isn’t one of the race drivers who managed to thrive despite being left-handed, but he would be in pretty good company if he was.
Brazilian Formula One legend Ayrton Senna is still considered as one of the best race drivers of all time – and he just happened to be left-handed. Before tragically passing away during the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994, Senna had three Formula One World Drivers’ Championship titles under his belt, and it seemed like the sky was his limit.
Robert Kubica is another notable driver who mostly uses his left hand, but not by choice. He lost part of his right forearm during a crash in 2011, and heavily relied on his left hand ever since.
“When I’m driving, I’m driving around 70 percent left-handed and 30 percent right… I cannot try to do the things I used to do because, with my limitation, I’m not able to do it. That’s not only driving but also living,” Kubica told Motorsport.
It’s also been reported that Kimi Räikkönen approaches racing from a left-handed viewpoint, despite being right-handed. While he drove for Lotus, his team even had to re-design the steering wheel and switch up the controls, so he could use them more efficiently.
Driving Left-Handed
Left-handed people face many unique obstacles in their daily life, but possessing this unique trait has its advantages. Studies have suggested that left-handed people happen to be better drivers than their right-handed counterparts.
Back in 2008, Metro reported that AA Driving School conducted a poll looking into this issue. They concluded that lefties are 10% more likely to pass their driving test the first time, and their instructors also noticed that they pick up certain skills much more quickly.
The Center for Handedness Research in Albuquerque also came to a conclusion that left-handed people are better drivers. They analyzed the data that a digital car insurance agency The Zebra collected over the course of ten years from 1.500 drivers, and their study determined that left-handed drivers caused fewer accidents.
Another study, commissioned by Privilege Car Insurance, says otherwise. They came to a conclusion that righties are better behind the wheel, because they’re less likely to get speeding tickets, parking fines, and get into serious accidents.
The jury is obviously still out on this one, but if you’re looking for a Formula One driver who proves that lefties are better – it’s not going to be Lewis Hamilton.