I wake up thinking about driving – Hamilton defends work ethic

Following criticism from Ferrari’s John Elkann, who claims Lewis Hamilton wakes up thinking about driving, he has defended his work ethic.

After Ferrari doubled his retirement at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last weekend, Elkann instructed the seven-time champion and team-mate Charles Leclerc to “focus on driving and talk less.”

With three grands prix and a sprint remaining, Ferrari finished fourth overall in the constructors’ championship, 36 points behind Mercedes and four behind Red Bull.

Hamilton was asked if it was appropriate to ask him to concentrate more on driving during a press conference prior to Sunday’s Las Vegas GP, which almost entirely focused on Elkann’s comments.

“I need to concentrate more on being able to unplug more,” I said.

It’s been a very heavy year, they say. The year I believe I’ve had the busiest is it. I’ve visited the factory more frequently than I’d like to visit any other factory.

Hamilton asserted that he did not object to Elkann’s remarks.

He said, “I am aware of John’s intentions.”

We have spoken several times in the past week, which is how we used to say it. It’s all about bringing the team together, and we’re all truly at peace. We are all deeply invested in it.

Hamilton left Mercedes for the 2025 season and finished his 11-year career there in 2024.

Hamilton finished sixth in the standings for his 40th appearance in red in his debut season.

“There has just been a ton of learning and doing.” When we work together for something, he said, “it’s definitely tough when you fall back,” he said.

“It’s like we’re climbing up a mountain, and then you arrive at weekend and kind of backwards or backwards.” Then, you must restart your effort the following time.

” I’ve backed this team 100% and I back myself 100%. I am aware that when things are done right, it will be amazing, and I look forward to that because I’m curious to see what you’ll write in the interim.

“I firmly believe that’s what will occur,” she said. Despite the challenging times we’ve had, I’m just continuing to keep that in mind.

Hamilton did not manage to take home a podium finish this year despite winning the sprint race at the second grand prix of the year in China. Leclerc, a teammate, has won seven podiums.

Hamilton’s novelty has not diminished, though, for Ferrari.

“I still feel a little sad because I’m in red, that I get to drive a Ferrari, and that I get to represent so many amazing people,” he said.

I became aware that a ship needs time to travel a different way.

This is a significant thing. It’s a sizable business. There are a lot of moving parts. You can’t fix it with a finger’s click. Real time is required.

With the difficulties we’ve encountered and the outcomes we’ve had, it’s not been what any of us wanted for a season. We’ve just kept going full steam ahead.

Hamilton claims that his first campaign at Ferrari has “remembered how resilient I am” despite his difficulties.

I support this team 100%, I support myself 100%, and I know it will be amazing if things go right,” Hamilton said.

“Despite the challenging days we have had, I can’t wait for that moment,” declares one person. “I truly believe that will happen and I will keep our eyes on it.”

According to Leclerc, Elkann called him the morning after the Sao Paulo GP to inform him that the comments were on his mind.

John called me to catch up and said the message he wanted to send was “we want to do better,” Leclerc said.