Lewis Hamilton has publicly addressed pointed comments from Ferrari chairman John Elkann, who urged the British driver and his teammate Charles Leclerc to "talk less and focus more on driving" following a double retirement at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
A Season of Struggle
The criticism from the Ferrari chairman comes during what Hamilton himself has described as a "nightmare" first season with the legendary Italian team. Despite a glimmer of success with a sprint victory in China, Hamilton's high-profile move has largely failed to deliver the expected results.
The seven-time world champion has not secured a single podium finish in his 21 outings for the Scuderia, and the team currently languishes in a disappointing fourth place in the constructors' championship standings.
Hamilton's Firm Rebuttal
Responding to the remarks, Hamilton was quick to defend his professionalism and commitment. He stated that he is "constantly focused on driving" and emphasised that he maintains a "great relationship" with chairman John Elkann.
The British racing icon made it clear that he has not taken the public jibe personally, demonstrating a diplomatic approach to the internal pressure.
Looking Ahead with Resilience
Despite the evident challenges, Hamilton expressed unwavering belief in the team's ability to overcome its current difficulties. He acknowledged the scale of the task at hand, noting that steering the large organisation in a new direction requires significant time.
Reaffirming his dedication, Hamilton voiced his commitment to achieving future success with Ferrari, projecting a determined and resilient outlook for the seasons to come.