Hamilton Responds to Elkann’s Comments Before Las Vegas Grand Prix

LAS VEGAS, NV — Lewis Hamilton, the veteran driver for Ferrari, addressed comments made by chairman John Elkann that suggested he should focus more on driving and talk less about improving the team’s performance. During a press conference ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton maintained that the challenges facing Ferrari cannot be resolved with a simple solution.

The 40-year-old driver is currently sixth in the drivers’ championship and has yet to secure a podium finish this season. Hamilton’s remarks come after a disappointing race in Brazil, where he expressed frustration over his struggles with the team. He acknowledged the difficulties of adapting to a new team, saying, “It’s been a really heavy year. It’s been the busiest year that I think I’ve had.”

While Elkann’s comments were directed at both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton insisted they were not a reflection of his dedication to the sport. “I wake up thinking about it and I go to sleep thinking about it,” Hamilton said. He also emphasized the need for patience, stating, “You can’t fix it in the click of a finger.”

Leclerc also spoke about Elkann’s remarks, clarifying that the chairman did not intend to criticize but rather to motivate the team. “John wants to be constructive and push the team to do better,” Leclerc explained, as Ferrari currently sits in fourth place in the constructors’ championship.

As the Las Vegas Grand Prix marks the 22nd race of the 24-race season, Hamilton acknowledged the challenges posed by the cold and wet conditions expected on the street circuit. He described the struggle of seeing progress week to week, saying, “It’s like we’re climbing up a mountain and then you slip a few steps back.”

Looking ahead, Hamilton remains optimistic about improving the team’s performance. “I joined this team knowing full well that it takes time to steer a ship in a different direction,” he said. “It takes real time.” With two races remaining in the season, both Hamilton and the Ferrari team hope to find their footing and achieve better results before the year ends.