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.
Just saw that @JimmieJohnson, the man who won his 7th #NASCAR Cup championship, didn't win Best Driver of the Year at tonight's ESPY's. pic.twitter.com/oRKE0Ovcpz
— Christian Espinoza (@Christian_Racin) July 13, 2017
@JimmieJohnson You got robbed of that ESPY tonight.
— Mary Murray (@mm2448) July 13, 2017
Lewis Hamilton ESPYS driver of the year…who finished 2nd in a 2 car champ.
Meanwhile Ron Capps & Jimmie Johnson actually WON the champ…
— Chevy84 (@chevychevelle48) July 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/TexanOkie07/status/885353395908997121
Wow. @JimmieJohnson doesnt win best driver after winning his seventh @NASCAR Monster Cup championship tying Richard Petty? #Rigged
— Brandon (@brandon29us) July 13, 2017
I'm a Lewis fan so don't take this wrong but he didn't win the title in his division.. how was it not @JimmieJohnson or @simonpagenaud ??
— Brett Moffitt (@Brett_Moffitt) July 13, 2017
How @LewisHamilton wins @ESPYS #BestDriver whn @RonCapps28 has best record in voting timeframe& @JimmieJohnson ties record ch'shps is muffed
— Crash Gladys (@CrashGladys) July 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/evanposocco/status/885345249521946625
Jimmie Johnson won NASCAR championship. Simon Pagenaud won IndyCar championship. Both lose ESPY Best Driver to F1 Lewis Hamilton who didn't.
— Julian Spivey (@julianspivey44) July 13, 2017
Eh it's the #ESPYS, they literally mean nothing. 1 of those 3 hasn't had actual competition in like 3 years. Real fans know who the best is
— Jeff (@jvirgs) July 13, 2017
Plus, the guy that won the award, didn't even win a championship last year, and he's not winning one right now.
— Johnny Spilotro (@JohnnySpilotro) July 13, 2017
Jimmie Johnson a "no name bum." He's won a record 7 championships. Lewis Hamilton is a great driver, but he didn't win most recent F1 title.
— Julian Spivey (@julianspivey44) July 13, 2017
He wasn't even the best driver in his series or on his team.
— Robert Caplette 🏳️🌈 (@TattooedEnigma) July 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/NasBork/status/885367649726861312
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
