Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has given a brutally honest response to Ferrari fans waiting for something magical from him ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The British driver joined Ferrari after a 12-year stint with Mercedes. On making the announcement at the beginning of 2024, Hamilton confirmed that the move to Ferrari was partly motivated by a lifelong dream to drive for the Maranello outfit.
Naturally, the excitement surrounding Hamilton’s historic move was massive. And with that has come high expectations from Ferrari and Hamilton fans. However, as with any driver in any new team, it takes time to adapt to the new environment and car.
While speaking with the media ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton was asked, “What could you say to our viewers, waiting for something magical from you, what would you say to them?”
Hamilton responded with a small smile, “Don’t, simple as that. Don’t wait for anything, just watch and enjoy.
“We’re working as hard as we can, so that’s all I can say, I have nothing else to add to that.”
The former Mercedes driver also spoke about how he deals with the external pressure, confirming “I listen to my music and do my job.” He explained:
“I have, obviously, self-belief. I don’t listen to all the stuff that’s floating around.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
“I’m not on social media, I’m not reading all the stuff, the positives and the negatives that are being said.
“I’m not being controlled necessarily by outside forces within society. I focus on myself, I listen to my music and do my job.
“I know how to arrive and to work with people, and I’m working at getting better everyday. So, I don’t stress about the stuff that’s out of my control.”
Although Hamilton celebrated his first victory in red in the China sprint race, he’s had a tricky start to the season with a disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix, a tenth-place finish in Australia and a seventh-place finish in Japan. As a result, he is currently eighth in the drivers’ standings with 15 points.
