NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson and Formula One’s Lewis Hamilton are two very different drivers competing in two very different circuits. Greatness, though, is one undeniable thing they have in common.
Deciding who’s the “better driver” between the two is a fool’s errand, but a decision seemingly was made at the 2017 ESPY Awards — and people aren’t happy.
Hamilton, a three-time F1 world champion, was named Best Driver at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday. He beat out IndyCar star Simon Pagenaud, NHRA’s Ron Capps, and NASCAR drivers Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. to claim the honor.
That decision didn’t sit well with Johnson’s loyal fan base, given that he claimed his record-tying seventh Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship last season. In what should come as a surprise to no one, people took to Twitter to vent their frustrations.
That last tweet doesn’t even warrant a response.
At the end of the day, Johnson, Hamilton and the rest of the nominated drivers all are worthy of being considered the best. But the fact remains that, — just as TIME Magazine featured the Brit on its cover in January instead of 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg — people who voted for the ESPYs chose Hamilton over other racers who were the best in their respective disciplines last year.
Thumbnail photo via Matthew O’Haren/USA TODAY Sports Images
