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Jeremy Clarkson Criticizes Lewis Hamilton Over Ferrari Visit and Vehicle Choice
Lewis Hamilton has come under fire from TV personality Jeremy Clarkson following his first official visit to Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who recently joined the iconic team, conducted a private test at the Fiorano circuit. However, Clarkson accused Hamilton of prioritizing public image over his new responsibilities with Ferrari.
During the test, Hamilton completed 30 laps in Ferrari’s 2023 car, attracting significant attention from fans who lined the track to catch a glimpse of him. Social media was flooded with pictures of the event, but Clarkson took issue with the driver’s apparent focus on posing for cameras. Writing in The Sun, Clarkson criticized Hamilton’s approach, questioning whether it demonstrated the dedication required to achieve an eighth world championship title.
“If he’s so intent on winning that elusive eighth title, you’d expect him to focus entirely on learning the car and maximizing its performance potential from the start,” Clarkson wrote.
The criticism didn’t end there. Clarkson also took aim at Hamilton’s choice of transportation to Ferrari’s factory, pointing out that the British driver arrived in a Fiat-branded helicopter instead of a Ferrari road car. He suggested this decision clashed with Ferrari’s passion and heritage, accusing Hamilton of failing to fully embrace his new team’s identity.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a pivotal chapter in his career after years of dominance with Mercedes, where he equaled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles. Ferrari, however, has not secured a driver’s championship since Kimi Räikkönen’s triumph in 2007. The team faces an uphill battle to compete against Red Bull’s dominance.
Fans have been divided over Clarkson’s remarks. While some praised Hamilton’s efforts to connect with Ferrari’s fan base, others echoed Clarkson’s concerns about his priorities. Despite the backlash, Hamilton’s reputation as one of F1’s most talented and committed drivers remains strong. His Fiorano test is seen as a crucial step toward understanding Ferrari’s car and adapting to the team’s machinery.
As Hamilton and Ferrari gear up for the new season, the scrutiny surrounding the partnership highlights the immense pressure of representing the Scuderia. Whether Clarkson’s critiques are justified or overstated, only time will reveal if Hamilton’s methods lead to the long-awaited eighth championship.