Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has publicly addressed pointed comments from Ferrari chairman John Elkann about his work ethic, offering a surprising counter-perspective on what he needs to succeed.
A Season of Struggle for Hamilton at Ferrari
The 41-year-old British driver has endured a challenging debut season with the legendary Scuderia Ferrari, a period starkly symbolised by his retirement at the Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend. The difficult afternoon in Sao Paulo was compounded when his teammate, Charles Leclerc, was also forced to retire. In the wake of this double disappointment, which leaves the team a distant fourth in the constructors' championship, Elkann delivered a blunt message to the driving duo: they need to 'focus on driving and talk less'.
Hamilton's Candid Counterpoint
However, speaking ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton made it clear that his personal assessment points in the opposite direction. 'I wake up thinking about it [driving], and I go to sleep thinking about it, and I think about it when I'm sleeping,' Hamilton revealed. 'If anything, I have to focus on being able to unplug more.'
He elaborated on the immense pressure of his first year with the Italian team, describing it as a 'really heavy year' and 'the busiest year that I think I've had'. Defending his commitment, Hamilton stated, 'I've been at the factory more than I think I was at any other factory before.'
Unity Amidst Public Criticism
The racing legend did clarify that Elkann had forewarned him about the forthcoming public critique during a phone call, and Hamilton insists he has not taken the remarks personally. 'I know where John's intentions are,' he added. 'We speak sometimes several times a week, so we have spoken several times since last week.'
Hamilton emphasised that the underlying goal is team unity, stating, 'It's all about bringing the team together and we are all really together. We are all deep in it. The passion just runs so deep. But I love that and I can never fault someone for having passion like that.'
This season marks one of the toughest in Hamilton's illustrious career. With just three races remaining on the calendar, he has failed to secure a single podium finish. He currently sits sixth in the driver's standings, a significant 76 points behind his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, leading to growing speculation about his future in the iconic red car.
Despite the setbacks, the former Mercedes driver remains steadfast in his belief that both he and the team will overcome their difficulties during the course of his three-year contract. 'There's just been so much to do and so much to learn. It's definitely tough when we're all working for something and then you fall back,' he conceded.
Using a powerful analogy, he described the season's challenges: 'It's like we're climbing up a mountain, then you arrive at the weekend and you kind of slip a few steps back or ten steps back. You have to then get back up and try again the next time.'
Concluding with a message of unwavering confidence, Hamilton said, 'I've backed this team 100% and I back myself 100%. I know that when we get things right, it's going to be amazing... I truly believe that's what's going to happen. I'm just not losing sight of that, even through the difficult days that we've had.'
