Following a Disastrous Season, Hamilton Has a New Manager

Feb. 13, 2012 4:28 AM ET by Yaacov Zalel Motorsport / 6 Comments

With a new personal manager, Lewis Hamilton looks to build a credible title challenge.

Although he might not admit it, Lewis Hamilton would love to forget about the 2011 Grand Prix season. Too many on track crashes, off track incidents and, at the end of it all and despite three wins, he took only fifth place in the Drivers' World Championship. He was three places behind teammate Jenson Button. Overall, he's had better times. Analysts put the blame, at least partially, on poor management. Two years ago Hamilton dismissed his father, Anthony, from any involvement in his career.

After a year during which he looked after his own affairs, he hired XIX Entertainment, Simon Fuller's management company to run his career. However, Fuller neglected his new recruit as Hamilton did not receive the close support every top sportsman needs from the company's management. No one even accompanied him during Grand Prix three-day race meets and Fuller himself was present at only a few events. That is probably not the way to take care of a genius racing driving talent. Even F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone described things as a "disaster."

And on the eve of the 2012 season, it looks as if this obstacle has been removed from Hamilton's path. XIX Entertainment has chosen Didier Cotton to manage Hamilton's career. Cotton is the owner of his own management agency but is an old hand in the delicate business of personal management. "Simon is committed to creating a team that will help me achieve my ambitions for 2012 and beyond," Hamilton told reporters during last week during the F1 test in Jerez. "Didier's appointment builds on the existing strengths of XIX and I am delighted to have him as part of the team. I'm positive about the season ahead and can't wait to start."

Following a Disastrous Season, Hamilton Has a New Manager

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