shocked Components 1 when it was introduced he can be becoming a member of final 12 months, however not everybody thought the transfer was a good suggestion.
At 40, some critics say Hamilton’s greatest racing years are behind him and claimed the Scuderia would possibly solely have signed the seven-time world champion for advertising and marketing causes.
Amongst these to query the deal have been the game’s former CEO Bernie Ecclestone and former F1 group chief Eddie Jordan.
In a current interview with journal, printed on Thursday, Hamilton dismissed such criticism.
“I’ve at all times welcomed the negativity,” he stated. “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 ought to be doing. The way you present up, the way you current your self, the way you carry out slowly dispels that.”
Ecclestone just lately informed British outlet that Hamilton wouldn’t final lengthy at Ferrari and stated he would probably have made “loads of enemies” on the group already.
In the meantime, Jordan stated in current podcasts that he thought the transfer was a “,” given Hamilton’s big advertising and marketing enchantment. He additionally it was “suicidal” for Ferrari to interchange Carlos Sainz with Hamilton.
In dismissing such feedback, Hamilton pointed to his observe document of success and stated he was absolutely dedicated to successful yet one more world title.
He additionally rebuffed claims that he was now too outdated to compete with the host of youthful drivers additionally competing for the highest prize in 2025, together with (27), (25) and new teammate (27).
“The outdated man is a mind-set,” Hamilton added in his interview with Time journal. “In fact, your physique ages, however I’m by no means going to be an outdated man.
“Don’t ever evaluate me to anyone else. 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, F1 driver in historical past as a result of they’re nothing like me.
“I’m hungry, pushed, don’t have a spouse and children. I’m targeted on one factor and that’s successful. That’s my No. 1 precedence.”
Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari was solely his second change between groups in his close to twenty years within the sport.
He began his profession with McLaren in 2007 earlier than becoming a member of Mercedes in 2013, the place he went on to dominate F1.
However the transfer to Ferrari gives a contemporary problem, one thing which Hamilton says has been invigorating.
“It’s been a giant, huge step and thrilling … Day by day’s been one thing fully new and the problem that I’m having is one thing that I actually wanted. I do know I’m precisely the place I’m meant to be proper this second,” Hamilton just lately informed .
Followers will get a greater thought of what to anticipate from Hamilton with preseason testing underway in Bahrain this week.
The brand new season then begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.
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