Lewis Hamilton Clarifies Social Media Post Amidst Ferrari Chairman's Criticism

Lewis Hamilton has clarified that his social media post following a difficult Brazilian Grand Prix was not a direct response to Ferrari chairman John Elkann's call for drivers to "talk less" and "focus on driving." Hamilton emphasized his strong relationship with Elkann and stated he hadn't even seen the comments before posting.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's challenging season, marked by a lack of wins and a slide to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, has created an environment of scrutiny. Elkann's comments, intended to rally the team, sparked a media ripple, making Hamilton's clarification crucial to avoid misinterpretations and maintain team unity amidst performance pressures.

The Details:

• Following a tough Brazilian GP where both Ferrari drivers, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, failed to finish, chairman John Elkann publicly stated that drivers needed to "talk less" and prioritize driving.
• Shortly after Elkann's remarks, both Hamilton and Leclerc shared posts on social media.
• Hamilton's post declared his unwavering commitment, stating he "will not give up" and "backs his team."
• Hamilton's Denial: Speaking to media, including RacingNews365, Hamilton denied his post was a reaction to Elkann's criticism, explaining, "John and I, we speak almost every week. We have a great relationship, I didn't have a reaction to it."
• He further clarified, "I hadn't even seen it, I posted it, and I was flying... It's not then [until] I got home and I heard about it, so it wasn't a reaction to it all. That was from the weekend."
• Ferrari remains winless this season, and Hamilton is yet to secure a podium finish with the team.

The Big Picture:

Despite the struggles in his maiden season with Ferrari, Hamilton reaffirmed his faith in the team's project. He stressed that responsibility for performance lies with everyone and highlighted the team's collective passion.

What's next:

With three rounds remaining and Ferrari now P4 in the constructors' standings, the focus shifts to salvaging the season and preparing for 2024.

• Hamilton expressed full commitment to helping the team rebuild, stating, "Every challenge is an opportunity for us to grow and learn, and I firmly believe that we will get to where we want to be."
• The team will aim to demonstrate renewed focus and performance in the upcoming races, starting with the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, to end the season on a more positive note.