Lewis Hamilton faces criticism head-on as he begins journey with Ferrari
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
BAHRAIN – In his landmark debut season with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton remains undeterred by the criticism that has accompanied his illustrious career. The 40-year-old, a seven-time world champion and the only Black driver in Formula 1 history, is more resolute than ever as he enters his 19th season in the sport.
Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari, on his critics: 'I've always welcomed the negativity'.
In an exclusive interview with Time Magazine, Hamilton candidly addressed remarks from his critics, which include former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. "I've always welcomed the negativity," Hamilton declared. "I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing. How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that."
On Friday, during the lunch break of the final day of preseason testing, Hamilton reiterated his stance on handling criticism as he embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari. "I haven't had a second to read the story but I heard it has come out really well," he commented regarding the Time Magazine piece. "Naturally in our sport, criticism is something that everyone receives. I have probably received a lot more of it perhaps throughout my career but I just keep my head down, doing what I'm doing."
Hamilton expressed that while the negative comments have been persistent, they have only fueled his determination. "I know that I'm growing each day, I'm bound to make mistakes I'm only human but one thing that I'm proud of is I have a drive, focus, I'm able to admit when I'm wrong, and I know that tomorrow I will work to be better. It really doesn't matter to me some of the comments that have come up over my career, not just these past 12 months. I use that as fuel."
The Time Magazine feature also included a photoshoot with Hamilton posing alongside a black horse, symbolizing Ferrari's iconic emblem. "I came up with the creative for that, that was my idea to do that shoot, something I'm really proud of," Hamilton shared. "First career directed photo shoot, so happy with how it came out."
Hamilton is set to make his much-anticipated Ferrari debut at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, as fans and critics alike eagerly await to see how he will perform in red.
Hamilton’s resilience and unwavering commitment continue to inspire as he faces the challenges ahead, both on and off the track.
Up Next
