Just in:Lewis Hamilton blasted for behaviour on first Ferrari visit and snubbing…read more
Lewis Hamilton blasted for behaviour on first Ferrari visit and snubbing…read more
Lewis Hamilton has recently come under fire from TV personality Jeremy Clarkson following his initial visit to Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, where he began his new chapter with the legendary Italian team. Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, had a private test session at the Fiorano circuit, where he completed 30 laps driving Ferrari’s 2023 car. The event, which attracted numerous fans eager to see the British driver in action, was widely shared on social media, with Hamilton posing for several photos. This attention, however, drew the ire of Clarkson, who felt the seven-time champion was focusing more on his public image than his racing career.
In his column for The Sun, Clarkson criticized Hamilton for what he saw as prioritizing his celebrity status over his focus on driving. Clarkson suggested that if Hamilton was truly committed to winning his long-awaited eighth world championship title, he would have arrived in Maranello fully immersed in the process of learning the car’s performance and fine-tuning its nuances, rather than using the occasion to garner attention.
Clarkson’s critique didn’t stop at Hamilton’s public persona. The former Top Gear host also expressed disdain for Hamilton’s method of traveling to the Ferrari factory. Instead of arriving in a Ferrari road car, which he felt would have demonstrated a stronger commitment to the Ferrari brand, Hamilton flew in a Fiat-branded helicopter. Clarkson argued that this decision showed a lack of passion for Ferrari’s legacy, undermining the connection between the driver and his new team. According to Clarkson, this further emphasized Hamilton’s celebrity status over his role as a dedicated racing driver, questioning whether he was genuinely committed to Ferrari’s pursuit of success in F1.
Despite Clarkson’s harsh words, the reception to Hamilton’s approach to his Ferrari journey has been mixed. While some fans criticized his behavior, many also expressed admiration for his ability to engage with Ferrari’s passionate fan base, suggesting that his focus on maintaining a connection with fans and embracing the team’s culture could have positive long-term effects. Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari has been a major talking point, as he leaves behind a successful career at Mercedes to pursue new challenges with the iconic team, which hasn’t won a driver’s championship since Kimi Räikkönen’s victory in 2007. For Hamilton, the move represents both a fresh start and a massive challenge, as Ferrari has struggled to consistently compete with the dominant Red Bull team in recent years.
While the spotlight remains on Hamilton as he navigates this new chapter in his career, it is important to remember his legacy as one of the most skilled and dedicated drivers in F1 history. Despite the criticisms, his focus on the test session at Fiorano, which was essential to understanding Ferrari’s car and how to unlock its full potential, shows that he is taking his new role seriously. The 30 laps he completed were undoubtedly an important step in his acclimation to Ferrari’s unique machinery and a vital part of preparing for the new season.
As the 2025 season approaches, the pressure on Hamilton to lead Ferrari to its first championship title since 2007 will only intensify. The scrutiny surrounding his every move demonstrates the high expectations that come with being part of Ferrari, one of the most famous teams in F1 history. Whether Clarkson’s concerns about Hamilton’s commitment are valid or an overreaction remains to be seen. What is certain is that Hamilton’s pursuit of his eighth world title will continue to be a focal point, and only time will tell whether his methods will prove effective in securing the championship that has thus far eluded him.
Ultimately, while Hamilton’s approach might not align with Clarkson’s traditional views on what it means to be a dedicated driver, his success or failure at Ferrari will be determined by his performance on the track, not by the way he manages his public persona.
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