Lewis Hamilton has hit again at “outdated, white males” equivalent to Bernie Ecclestone and Eddie Jordan following current criticism of his , saying he “welcomes the negativity” as he prepares to embark on a brand new chapter in Italy.
In a wide-ranging interview for the March concern of – which options on its “Horse Energy” entrance cowl a white-suited standing in entrance of a black stallion named Aroma, recreating the long-lasting Ferrari prancing horse – Hamilton discusses his profession, the explanations behind his transfer to Maranello and his mission to introduce larger range on the Italian staff.
Hamilton argued that nobody might put themselves in his footwear as there had by no means been anybody like him.
“Don’t ever evaluate me to anyone else,” Hamilton stated. “I’m the primary and solely black driver that’s ever been on this sport. I’m constructed completely different. I’ve been by means of loads. I’ve had my very own journey. You may’t evaluate me to a different 40-year-old, previous or current, Formulation One driver in historical past. As a result of they’re nothing like me. I’m hungry, pushed, don’t have a spouse and youngsters. I’m targeted on one factor, and that’s profitable. That’s my No 1 precedence.”
Hamilton endured a tough spell at earlier staff Mercedes after dropping out on what would have been a file eighth world title in 2021 on the ultimate lap of the ultimate race of the season in Abu Dhabi, in what was one of many greatest controversies in fashionable F1. final summer season was his first for 945 days.
Nevertheless, he insists he’s “extra motivated than ever” to win an eighth title and instructed Time he might race on at “till he’s 50” given the way in which he’s feeling now.
Hamilton dismissed criticism from the broader racing group. Former F1 chief govt that Hamilton would “not final two seasons” in Italy, questioning his motivation and predicting he can be strolling right into a hostile surroundings.
“I don’t assume Lewis will get the identical consideration at Ferrari,” Ecclestone stated. “Firstly, the staff are proud of Charles Leclerc, his team-mate. Leclerc speaks their language [he’s fluent in Italian], in order that they’ll be taking care of him. Even when Lewis does effectively, there’ll nonetheless be numerous enemies, as a result of he has instantly arrived.”
Former F1 staff proprietor Eddie Jordan, in the meantime, stated on a podcast in December that it was “completely suicidal” for Ferrari to drop Carlos Sainz from its line-up as they have been so well-matched.
“I’ve at all times welcomed the negativity,” Hamilton stated when requested about his doubters. “I by no means, ever reply to any of the older, finally, white males who’ve commented on my profession and what they assume I needs to be doing. The way you present up, the way you current your self, the way you carry out slowly dispels that.”
Hamilton, who topped the time-sheets on on Thursday, admitted he did have some apprehensions about transferring to Ferrari, the place range and inclusion just isn’t as superior as it’s at Mercedes, thanks largely to his efforts over the past decade.
He admitted that he had heard the racist chants directed at black footballers in Italy. “I’m not going to lie, it positively crossed my thoughts after I was desirous about my resolution,” he stated. “Like in so many issues, it’s typically such a small group of people who set that pattern for a lot of. I don’t assume that it’s going to be an issue.”
