Hamilton Responds Gracefully to Ferrari Chairman's Remarks on Focus

Lewis Hamilton has moved to ease any tensions stirred by Ferrari chairman John Elkann's pointed remarks following the team's costly double retirement in São Paulo, insisting the comments were understood, accepted, and rooted in passion rather than criticism.

Why it matters:

After a challenging season and a significant setback in Brazil, Ferrari is under immense pressure. Hamilton's calm and understanding response to the chairman's call for more focus is crucial for maintaining team unity and morale as they push to improve. This internal dynamic can heavily influence the team's ability to regroup and perform in the final races.

The Details:

• Ferrari chairman John Elkann urged Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc to "focus on driving and talk less" after the team dropped to fourth in the Constructors' standings following a double retirement in Brazil.
• Hamilton stated that he already focuses intensely on driving, thinking about it constantly, and suggesting he needs to learn to "unplug more" instead.
• Understanding Elkann's Intentions: Hamilton clarified that he understood the context of Elkann's remarks, viewing them as stemming from passion rather than criticism.
  • He emphasized that he and Elkann communicate frequently, multiple times a week, and that their discussions since the Brazil incident have focused on team unity.
• Passion as a Ferrari Trait: Hamilton expressed his appreciation for the deep passion within Ferrari, stating he could never fault someone for it, considering it a defining characteristic of the team.
• Collective Responsibility: He stressed the importance of everyone in the team taking responsibility and playing their part, acknowledging the immense effort from every individual at the factory.
• Long-Term Commitment: Hamilton reaffirmed his full commitment to helping Ferrari rebuild and grow, viewing every challenge as an opportunity for learning and improvement.

What's next:

Despite the recent setbacks and external pressure, Hamilton insists there is "great harmony" within the team, with everyone focused on learning from this year's experiences to build a better future. The team's ability to internalize the chairman's comments constructively and maintain a united front will be key as they approach the final races and look ahead to the next season.