Lewis Hamilton has expressed disagreement with the criticism from Ferrari CEO John Elkann. Following the Grand Prix in Brazil, where both Ferrari drivers failed to cross the finish line, the Italian CEO reprimanded them, suggesting that both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton should ‘focus on racing, and talk less.’ The seven-time world champion is now defending his work ethic: ‘I even think about racing when I sleep.’
The Grand Prix weekend in São Paulo was yet another one Ferrari would rather forget. Both Charles Leclerc – who was out of the race after a pile-up with Oscar Piastri and Andrea Kimi Antonelli following the restart – and Lewis Hamilton – due to damage sustained in the chaotic opening phase of the race – were unable to complete their Brazilian Grand Prix. Ferrari CEO John Elkann did not mince words with his two drivers.
“For our drivers, it’s important that they focus on racing, and talk less,” Elkann vented his frustration to the Italian branch of Sky Sports. “We still have a number of important races ahead. Second place in the constructors’ championship is still achievable.”
‘I Think About Racing Even When I Sleep’
Lewis Hamilton disagrees with the CEO’s judgement, as he shared ahead of the Grand Prix weekend in Las Vegas. The seven-time world champion insists that his focus is solely on racing. “I think about racing as soon as I wake up and when I go to sleep. I even think about racing while I sleep,” the Ferrari driver defends himself. “If there’s something I need to concentrate on, it’s taking more distance from the sport between races. It’s been a very tough year. It’s been the busiest year I’ve ever experienced. I’ve spent more time in the Ferrari factory than in any other factory.”
However, Hamilton does not take the Ferrari CEO’s comment personally. “I know what John (Elkann) means,” he continues. “We talk to each other several times a week, so we’ve spoken multiple times since last week. It’s about bringing the team together. The passion runs so deep. But I think that’s great and I can never blame someone for having such passion.”
