Hamilton Denies Social Media Post Was Response to Ferrari President's Comments

Lewis Hamilton has clarified that his social media post, shared just hours after Ferrari President John Elkann's "not up to par" remarks, was not a direct response. Hamilton stated he was unaware of Elkann's comments at the time of posting.

Why it matters:

Ferrari President John Elkann's public criticism, urging drivers to "focus on driving" and "talk less" following a disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix, stirred significant debate within the F1 paddock. This public call-out, regardless of intent, highlights underlying pressures within Ferrari as they strive to reclaim their competitive edge, and any perceived tension with star drivers like Hamilton could further complicate team dynamics.

The Details:

• Elkann's Comments: Following a challenging Brazilian Grand Prix where Charles Leclerc retired and Lewis Hamilton sustained crash damage, Elkann stated, "The rest is not up to par. We have drivers who need to focus on driving, talk less, and we have important races ahead of us, and it is not impossible to finish second."
• Intentions: While some in the paddock viewed it as criticism, sources within Ferrari suggested Elkann's comments were intended as motivational.
• Hamilton's Relationship: Hamilton confirmed a strong, almost weekly, relationship with Elkann, suggesting a level of mutual understanding.
• Hamilton's Reaction: Hamilton denied having a specific reaction to Elkann's remarks, stating he doesn't "look into those things too much."
• Media Commitments: When asked about the "talk less" comment, Hamilton light-heartedly quipped he's "always willing to do less media," before emphasizing collective team responsibility and commitment.
• Social Media Post: Hours after Elkann's comments surfaced, Hamilton posted on social media: "I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever. Thank you, Brazil, always." He clarified that this post was made before he became aware of Elkann's statements.
• Team Commitment: Hamilton reiterated his full commitment to helping Ferrari rebuild and grow, viewing every challenge as an opportunity for learning and improvement.

What's next:

The incident underscores the intense scrutiny on Ferrari and its drivers as the team navigates its ongoing quest for championship contention. Hamilton's efforts to clarify his position and emphasize team unity suggest a focus on internal cohesion despite external pressures. The team's performance in upcoming races will reveal how effectively they can translate this unified front into on-track results, especially with the demanding Las Vegas Grand Prix on the horizon.