Hamilton's Unwavering Resolve: 'Not Now, Not Then, Not Ever!' Amidst Ferrari's Struggles

Lewis Hamilton has reaffirmed his commitment and fighting spirit, declaring he "will not give up" despite a challenging Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. His strong message comes as Ferrari faces mounting pressure, particularly after a disappointing performance in São Paulo, which saw them lose ground in the Constructors' Championship battle.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's defiant statement is a powerful message of resilience, not only for his team but also for fans amidst a season that has fallen short of expectations. His refusal to yield underscores the immense pressure on Ferrari to deliver, especially as the constructors' battle for second place intensifies. For a driver of Hamilton's caliber, a winless season is a rare occurrence, highlighting the depth of the challenges at Maranello and the mental fortitude required to keep pushing.

The details:

• Hamilton's Performance: Hamilton scored only two points in Brazil, finishing seventh in the Sprint. In the main race, an opening lap incident with Franco Colapinto damaged his front wing and floor, hindering his progress.
• Social Media Message: Reflecting on the weekend, Hamilton posted: "Brazil. Thank you for all the love, always. In the end, it wasn’t the race we wanted. It’s gutting, especially after some good progress, but we will move on." He then emphatically added, "I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever."
• Ferrari's Setback: Ferrari endured a zero-point Grand Prix in Interlagos after Charles Leclerc's DNF following a Safety Car restart. This result saw them drop further behind Mercedes and Red Bull in the Constructors' standings.
  • Constructors' Standings after Brazil:
    • P2: Mercedes (398 points)
    • P3: Red Bull Racing (366 points)
    • P4: Ferrari (362 points)
• Elkann's Comments: Ferrari President John Elkann expressed his disappointment, stating, "Brazil was a huge disappointment." He urged drivers to "focus on driving and talk less," emphasizing that securing second place in the Constructors' Championship is still achievable if the team acts as one.
  • Context: Elkann's remarks were made at an event celebrating the partnership between Stellantis and the Italian Olympic Committee, underlining the broader scrutiny on Ferrari's F1 performance.

What's next:

With only a few races remaining in the season, both Hamilton and Ferrari are under immense pressure to turn their fortunes around. The Scuderia's immediate goal is to reclaim second place in the Constructors' Championship, a target that will require flawless execution and improved reliability. For Hamilton, securing a Grand Prix podium, or even a win, would be a significant morale boost for both himself and the team heading into the off-season. The coming races will be a critical test of Ferrari's collective resolve and their ability to function as a cohesive unit, as urged by President Elkann.