Hamilton Dismisses Elkann Criticism, Reaffirms Ferrari Commitment
Las Vegas, NV – Lewis Hamilton publicly addressed recent pointed remarks from ferrari Chairman John Elkann, downplaying any rift and emphasizing his unwavering focus on driving performance as the Formula 1 season nears its conclusion. The exchange comes as Ferrari aims to secure second place in the Constructors’ Championship, a goal Elkann stressed is paramount.
Elkann’s comments, delivered recently, implicitly criticized both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc, suggesting some Ferrari drivers should prioritize driving over public statements. He lauded the team’s mechanics and engineers,acknowledging improvements to the car while also stating areas still require progress. The remarks sparked speculation about internal tensions within the Scuderia, notably with hamilton entering his debut season with the iconic team.
Hamilton, speaking ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix (Sunday, 5:00 AM CET, Sky and RTL), revealed a strong personal relationship with Elkann. “John and I have a good rapport, we speak almost weekly,” he stated, though he declined to directly address his reaction to the criticism.
Despite the deflection, Hamilton delivered a clear message of dedication. When discussing his first season with Ferrari, he expressed a profound commitment to the team. ”Sometimes I still have to pinch myself to realize I’m driving for Ferrari. It’s almost romantic when I come to the factory. I think I’ve been in this factory more than any other. I am fully focused on my job. I couldn’t think more about driving. When I wake up, I think about it, and when I go to bed, I do too. I even dream about it.”
Elkann had previously highlighted the remarkable performance of Ferrari’s mechanics and engineers,crediting them with effectively competing for the championship through their work in the pit lane and ongoing car development. He also emphasized the importance of securing second place in the Constructors’ championship as a key objective for the remainder of the season.
