Hamilton Brushes Off Elkann Criticism, Insists His Focus “ Never Leaves the Track ”

Lewis Hamilton has reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari’s long-term project after chairman John Elkann publicly urged both the seven-time world champion and Charles Leclerc to “focus on driving and talk less” following the team’s costly double retirement in São Paulo. Ferrari’s setback pushed the Scuderia down to fourth in the constructors’ standings, 36 points adrift of Mercedes and narrowly trailing Red Bull in a tightly contested battle for second.

Speaking ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton maintained that his dedication needs no defence. The 40-year-old said driving remains his daily obsession: “I wake up thinking about it, I go to sleep thinking about it, and I think about it in my sleep,” he said, adding that unplugging from work has been more challenging than staying focused. Hamilton noted he has spent more time at the Maranello factory this season than at any point during his 11-year spell with Mercedes.

Despite the public nature of Elkann’s comments, Hamilton stressed there is no personal tension. He revealed that he and Elkann exchange messages multiple times a week and that the chairman’s remarks came from a place of ambition rather than criticism. Ferrari, he said, is united in its effort to reverse its fortunes. “The passion runs incredibly deep. I’ll never fault someone for that,” he added.

Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari has been turbulent. Beyond his early sprint victory in China, he has yet to reach the podium, while Leclerc has secured seven top-three finishes. Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers’ standings, emblematic of a season marked by inconsistency and setbacks. Yet, he remains steadfast, comparing Ferrari’s rebuilding process to “climbing a mountain and slipping back several steps,” only to start the ascent again each weekend.

Ferrari’s vast scale and intricate engineering processes, he said, make rapid transformation impossible. Still, Hamilton believes the team is laying the groundwork for future success: “When we get things right, it’s going to be incredible. I can’t wait for that moment.”

Leclerc, who mirrored Hamilton’s defence of the team’s focus, confirmed Elkann had personally warned him about the forthcoming remarks. The Monegasque insisted the message was meant to inspire improvement rather than chastise.

As Hamilton reflects on a demanding debut year in red, he says it has reminded him of his own resilience. And despite the challenges, the thrill of driving for Ferrari hasn’t faded. “I still pinch myself every day,” he said. “Representing this team is something special. We’ll get there.”

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