Hamilton hits back at ‘yapping’ critics following maiden…read more
Lewis Hamilton has responded to critics following his first victory with Ferrari in the Sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, emphasizing the challenge of adjusting to a new team. Hamilton, who has won six times at the Shanghai International Circuit, had a challenging start with Ferrari at the season opener in Melbourne, but he showed remarkable progress in Shanghai, claiming victory in the Sprint with a commanding 6.889-second margin over McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
Reflecting on his success in Shanghai, Hamilton acknowledged that the adjustment to a new team was more difficult than some outsiders had anticipated. He explained that many people underestimated the steep learning curve involved in switching teams, citing the need to adapt to new team dynamics, understand different communication styles, and become familiar with the team’s way of working. Hamilton also pointed out that there had been a lot of criticism and “yapping” from outsiders who didn’t fully grasp the complexities of such a transition.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton said he felt much more comfortable in the car during the Shanghai weekend. He had struggled with the car’s handling in Melbourne, but from the start of the weekend in China, he felt confident and at ease. He praised the hard work of the Ferrari engineers and mechanics who helped improve the car’s setup, allowing him to manage the tires effectively and secure the win in the Sprint race. Hamilton’s ability to maintain tire performance despite the challenges posed by the new tarmac and grip levels in Shanghai was an important factor in his victory.
Hamilton’s performance in Shanghai also raised questions about how Ferrari’s fans, especially the passionate Tifosi, would react to his victory. However, the 40-year-old driver insisted that he didn’t feel any additional pressure despite the intense expectations surrounding his move to Ferrari. He expressed his understanding of how much Ferrari fans and the team itself want success, but he remained grounded, reiterating that he was not focused on immediate results. Hamilton emphasized that the journey with Ferrari was a long-term project and that they should not get carried away by one success.
Acknowledging the weight of the Ferrari legacy, Hamilton reminded everyone that success doesn’t come overnight. “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” he said, stressing that it would take time to reach the level of consistency needed for championship contention. He also expressed his determination to stay focused and calm, not allowing the excitement of one victory to cloud the team’s long-term goals. The priority, according to Hamilton, was to stay diligent, focused, and consistent in their progress.
Looking ahead, Hamilton confirmed that the team would continue to stay focused on improving for the rest of the season, with Qualifying the next target. His message was clear: Ferrari’s journey was a marathon, not a sprint, and every step forward would be carefully planned and executed.
In summary, Hamilton’s first win with Ferrari in the Shanghai Sprint was a moment of triumph, but he remained focused on the bigger picture. He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to a new team while addressing critics and emphasized the need for patience and long-term commitment to achieving success with Ferrari.
