shocked Method 1 when it was introduced he can be becoming a member of final 12 months, however not everybody thought the transfer was a good suggestion.
At 40, some critics say Hamilton’s finest racing years are behind him and claimed the Scuderia would possibly solely have signed the seven-time world champion for advertising and marketing causes.
Amongst these to query the deal have been the game’s former CEO Bernie Ecclestone and former F1 workforce chief Eddie Jordan.
In a latest interview with journal, printed on Thursday, Hamilton disregarded such criticism.
“I’ve at all times welcomed the negativity,” he mentioned. “I by no means, ever reply to any of the older, in the end, White males who’ve commented on my profession and what they suppose I ought to be doing. The way you present up, the way you current your self, the way you carry out slowly dispels that.”
Ecclestone lately advised British outlet that Hamilton wouldn’t final lengthy at Ferrari and mentioned he would possible have made “lots of enemies” on the workforce already.
In the meantime, Jordan mentioned in latest podcasts that he thought the transfer was a “,” given Hamilton’s enormous advertising and marketing attraction. He additionally it was “suicidal” for Ferrari to interchange Carlos Sainz with Hamilton.
In dismissing such feedback, Hamilton pointed to his observe document of success and mentioned he was absolutely dedicated to successful yet one more world title.
He additionally rebuffed claims that he was now too outdated to compete with the host of youthful drivers additionally competing for the highest prize in 2025, together with (27), (25) and new teammate (27).
“The outdated man is a mind-set,” Hamilton added in his interview with Time journal. “After all, your physique ages, however I’m by no means going to be an outdated man.
“Don’t ever evaluate me to anyone else. I’m the primary and solely Black driver that’s ever been on this sport. I’m constructed totally different. I’ve been by way of lots. I’ve had my very own journey.
“You’ll be able to’t evaluate me to a different 40-year-old, previous or current, F1 driver in historical past as a result of they’re nothing like me.
“I’m hungry, pushed, don’t have a spouse and youngsters. I’m centered on one factor and that’s successful. That’s my No. 1 precedence.”
Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari was solely his second change between groups in his close to 20 years within the sport.
He began his profession with McLaren in 2007 earlier than becoming a member of Mercedes in 2013, the place he went on to dominate F1.
However the transfer to Ferrari affords a recent problem, one thing which Hamilton says has been invigorating.
“It’s been a giant, large step and thrilling … On daily basis’s been one thing fully new and the problem that I’m having is one thing that I actually wanted. I do know I’m precisely the place I’m meant to be proper this second,” Hamilton lately advised .
Followers will get a greater thought of what to anticipate from Hamilton with preseason testing underway in Bahrain this week.
The brand new season then begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.
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