Jeremy Clarkson, well-known for hosting shows like Top Gear and The Grand Tour, expressed his dissatisfaction with Lewis Hamilton’s sulky body language during the 2012 Formula 1 season. At that time, Hamilton was racing for McLaren in what would be his final year with the team, before moving to Mercedes, where he would later become one of the sport’s most successful drivers. Clarkson’s comments focused on Hamilton’s visible frustration, urging him to keep such behavior off the broadcast and within the team’s private discussions.

Lewis Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut in 2007 with McLaren and quickly emerged as a title contender. After winning his first World Championship in 2008, he experienced several challenging seasons. The 2012 campaign was marred by reliability issues, and Hamilton faced tough competition from Sebastian Vettel, who led the championship confidently.

Amid uncertainties about his future, rumors circulated that Hamilton might leave McLaren for Mercedes—a move perceived at the time as a step down. On the day of the Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton’s sulky demeanor was apparent to many viewers, prompting Clarkson’s critique. Hamilton started the race from pole position and was favored to win, but a gearbox failure forced him to retire early, compounding his visible frustration.

Shortly after that race, Hamilton officially joined Mercedes. Over the following years, he captured six World Championships and set multiple records, cementing his place as one of the sport’s greats. In 2024, Hamilton ended his lengthy tenure at Mercedes to embark on a new chapter with Scuderia Ferrari, marking his third F1 team.

Experiencing Ferrari’s rigorous and passionate work culture

Currently in his debut season with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has revealed insights into the team’s intense working environment. Speaking to the French media outlet RTBF Actus, he described Ferrari’s atmosphere as far more demanding than he had anticipated. Despite the challenges, Hamilton acknowledged the team’s strong motivation and deep pride.

“It’s not at all what I expected; it’s more intense in so many areas,” he said. “I didn’t expect that. I didn’t think the team at the factory would be so impressive. I was expecting energy, but this… it’s even more intense than I imagined.”

Hamilton also emphasized the pride shared by Ferrari’s crew, which he finds inspiring and energizing.

“There’s a huge sense of pride within this team. During a shoot last week, I had a big smile on my face the whole time,” he added.

“I love being in red! I look at the badge and I think, ‘Wow!’ It’s Ferrari, I can’t believe it. I still have to pinch myself, I think, ‘I’m driving for Ferrari.’ It’s phenomenal.”

Season outlook and the challenges ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari

Although Hamilton has yet to deliver standout results with Ferrari, expectations remain that his performance will improve after the upcoming summer break. With ten races left in the Formula 1 season, both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc need consistent finishes to secure Ferrari’s position in second place in the Constructors’ Championship. The pressure is rising as they face fierce competition, making this a crucial phase for the team’s championship ambitions.

Hamilton’s journey from a sulky contender under scrutiny in 2012 to a key figure in Ferrari’s desperate push for success highlights both his resilience and the intense emotions inherent in top-level motorsport. How he adapts to Ferrari’s demanding environment could define the next chapter of his illustrious career.