Jeremy Clarkson Criticizes Lewis Hamilton Over Ferrari Visit and Car Choices
Lewis Hamilton has faced sharp criticism from TV personality Jeremy Clarkson following his first official visit to Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion recently began his new journey with the iconic Italian team, completing a private test at the Fiorano circuit. However, Clarkson accused Hamilton of prioritizing public image over his racing responsibilities.
Hamilton’s test session, where he drove Ferrari’s 2023 car for 30 laps, attracted significant attention. Hundreds of fans gathered along the track to catch a glimpse of the F1 star. The event, documented on social media with several posed pictures, drew ire from Clarkson, who labeled Hamilton as more of a celebrity than a dedicated racing driver.
Writing in his The Sun column, Clarkson criticized Hamilton for appearing to play up to the cameras rather than focusing on his new role. He questioned whether Hamilton’s actions reflected genuine dedication to securing his long-sought eighth world championship title.
“If he’s so determined to win that elusive eighth title, you’d think he’d show up on day one with his full attention on learning the car’s intricacies and uncovering its performance potential,” Clarkson wrote.
The former Top Gear presenter’s disapproval didn’t stop there. Clarkson also took issue with Hamilton’s choice of transport to the Ferrari factory, claiming the British driver commuted in a Fiat-branded helicopter rather than a Ferrari road car. According to Clarkson, this decision undermined Hamilton’s commitment to his new team, suggesting it failed to reflect the passion Ferrari embodies.
While Clarkson’s remarks reflect his trademark bluntness, Hamilton’s approach to his new venture with Ferrari has drawn mixed reactions. Some fans applauded the Mercedes icon for embracing the team’s culture and connecting with its dedicated fan base, while others echoed Clarkson’s sentiment, questioning whether his priorities are misplaced.
Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career. After years of success with Mercedes, where he matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles, the move to Ferrari represents both a fresh start and a daunting challenge. Ferrari has not claimed a driver’s championship since Kimi Räikkönen’s victory in 2007, and the team has struggled to consistently challenge Red Bull’s dominance in recent years.
Despite Clarkson’s criticisms, Hamilton’s reputation as one of the most skilled and dedicated drivers in F1 history remains intact. His test session at Fiorano was likely an essential step toward acclimating to Ferrari’s unique machinery and understanding the car’s performance characteristics ahead of the new season.
As Hamilton and Ferrari prepare to mount a title challenge, the scrutiny surrounding his every move underscores the pressure and expectations that come with representing the famed Scuderia. Whether Clarkson’s concerns are warranted or merely an overreaction, only time will tell if Hamilton’s methods will lead to the historic eighth title he so desires.
