Jeremy Clarkson has openly criticized Lewis Hamilton during the initial phase of his tenure with Ferrari, raising doubts about the seven-time world champion’s determination to pursue an eighth title. The comments came shortly after Hamilton’s highly anticipated Ferrari debut, sparking widespread discussion about the driver’s current mindset and commitment.
Clarkson’s critique centers on what he perceives as Hamilton prioritizing image over racing performance during his early days with the Scuderia team. Despite rumors of a competitive Ferrari set to debut in 2025, Clarkson claims Hamilton appears more engrossed in his public image than engaging with the car’s technical details.
Hamilton’s Debut Focused More on Presentation Than Engineering
The veteran journalist described Hamilton’s first week at Ferrari, highlighting his polished appearances in photo shoots and guided tours of the team’s Maranello factory. Clarkson contrasted this with what he expected from a driver chasing championship glory, suggesting Hamilton should be deeply involved in understanding the mechanics of a car that, while competitive, is not the latest model.
Clarkson wrote,
“If Hamilton is genuinely chasing that eighth title, you’d think he’d have rushed to the factory to dive into the nuts and bolts of his new vehicle,”
taking aim at what he views as a carefully crafted public persona overshadowing Hamilton’s technical focus.
Comparing Hamilton to Ferrari Teammate Charles Leclerc
Clarkson also compared Hamilton’s situation with that of his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who is fluent in Italian and fully immersed in the team’s environment. He emphasized Leclerc’s status as one of the fastest drivers currently in Formula 1, implying Hamilton faces significant challenges if he hopes to outperform the younger competitor.
He noted,
“Hamilton has his work cut out for him if he hopes to challenge Leclerc,”
suggesting that the British driver may be past his peak competitive years.
Speculations on Hamilton’s Motivation Behind Joining Ferrari
Beyond competition, Clarkson speculated that Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari could stem from a long-held personal goal rather than purely athletic ambition. Driving for the iconic Italian team may fulfill a dream for the British driver, regardless of immediate racing success.
Clarkson remarked,
“Perhaps Lewis signed with Ferrari because he didn’t want to end his illustrious career without having donned the iconic red. Regardless, I wish him the best of luck.”
Anticipation Builds for the Upcoming F1 Season
As the Formula 1 season approaches, Clarkson’s pointed criticisms have amplified anticipation for Hamilton’s performance with his new team. Fans and analysts alike are watching eagerly to see whether Hamilton will rekindle his winning form or face ongoing struggles against Ferrari’s top drivers and rivals. The unfolding season promises intense competition and narrative arcs around Hamilton’s quest to add another championship to his record.