Hamilton Rejects Claims He Lacks Focus After Ferrari Chairman’s Criticism

Lewis Hamilton has pushed back at Ferrari chairman John Elkann’s suggestion that he and Charles Leclerc should «focus on driving and talk less» after the team’s double retirement in Sao Paulo. The result dropped Ferrari to fourth in the constructors’ standings.

Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton said the criticism was misplaced. «I wake up thinking about driving and I go to sleep thinking about it,» he said, adding that the real challenge this year has been learning how to switch off during a demanding season.

Hamilton said he did not take Elkann’s words personally.

«We speak several times a week. His intentions are about uniting the team,» he said.

His first season with Ferrari has been difficult, leaving him sixth in the standings.

«It feels like climbing a mountain only to slip back again but I back this team and myself fully,» he said.

Leclerc said Elkann informed him he planned to make the remarks and that the intention was to push the team to improve.