Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has responded to recent public remarks from Ferrari leadership, firmly defending his commitment while tempering expectations for a quick fix to the team’s ongoing struggles.
The seven-time world champion addressed comments attributed to Ferrari president John Elkann, who was reported to have advised the drivers to “focus on driving and talk less.” When questioned on the matter, Hamilton dismissed the notion that his effort was lacking.
“I don’t believe I could work any harder,” Hamilton stated. “My mind is constantly on the task. If anything, the challenge is finding moments to switch off. This has been one of the most demanding years of my career, with immense time invested at the factory.”
Hamilton, whose first season with the iconic Italian team has yet to yield a podium finish, emphasized the scale of the challenge. He described the process of revitalizing a team of Ferrari’s stature as a long-term project, not an overnight correction.
“Changing the course of a major organization like this doesn’t happen instantly,” he explained. “There are countless elements in motion. We all hoped for better results, but we understood this would be a journey. The work continues at full pace.”
The upcoming race on the Las Vegas street circuit, with its anticipated cold and slippery conditions, is not expected to offer a reprieve for the struggling Scuderia. The team currently sits fourth in the constructors’ championship.
Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, also commented on the president’s remarks, indicating they were clarified as an expression of competitive frustration rather than a personal critique.
Reflecting on a difficult debut year marked by setbacks, Hamilton used a metaphor of perseverance. “It feels like climbing a mountain, only to slip back several steps each race weekend. Then you regroup and start the climb again. That’s been the cycle.”
As the season nears its conclusion, the championship battle focuses elsewhere, with McLaren’s Lando Norris holding a significant lead. For Hamilton and Ferrari, the final races represent continued steps in a foundational rebuilding process.