Last Updated on January 27 2025, 3:37 pm
Hamilton criticised for behaviour during first Ferrari visit – Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited first official week at Ferrari has been met with mixed reactions. While many fans celebrated his arrival at the Scuderia, not everyone was impressed. Among the critics was Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken former host of Top Gear.
Clarkson took issue with Hamilton’s demeanour and actions during his first visit to Maranello, suggesting that the seven-time F1 world champion was more focused on his celebrity status than his racing career. Hamilton’s debut at Ferrari was one of pomp and circumstance. After years of speculation, the British driver had finally joined the iconic Italian team in search of a record-breaking eighth world championship.
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His week culminated with a test drive at Ferrari’s private Fiorano circuit, where he completed 30 laps in a 2023 Ferrari under the watchful eyes of fans and media.
After the drive, Hamilton took time to greet the hundreds of fans gathered around the track, thanking them for their warm welcome and posing for photographs.
While the gesture delighted many, Clarkson saw it as calculated and self-serving.
“He’s more of a celebrity than a racing driver,” Clarkson quipped, expressing his disapproval of Hamilton’s actions and questioning his priorities.
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https://www.twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1883884413768827065?
Clarkson’s criticism: Showmanship over substance
In a fiery critique, Clarkson painted an unflattering picture of Hamilton’s early days at Ferrari. He questioned the British driver’s commitment to winning an eighth title and suggested Hamilton’s priorities were more about public relations than the pursuit of racing excellence.
“If he’s so keen to win an eighth world title, you’d think he’d arrive at the factory on day one eager to delve into the car’s secrets and squeeze every ounce of performance out of it,” Clarkson remarked.
“Instead, he turned up in an SUV, dressed in a suit and tie, and posed for pictures before greeting fans, all conveniently captured by a hovering video drone.”
Clarkson also took issue with Hamilton’s tour of Ferrari’s headquarters, describing the scene as one of fawning engineers applauding the new recruit.
“It was all slow-motion shots and staged moments before he finally got behind the wheel of a Ferrari that’s three years old,” Clarkson said, referring to Hamilton’s test drive in an older car due to FIA regulations prohibiting the use of newer models.
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Milan move: a point of contention
Hamilton’s decision to live in Milan rather than near Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello also drew Clarkson’s ire. The presenter suggested that the choice, combined with Hamilton’s commuting habits, further underlined his celebrity lifestyle.
“I’m told his new house isn’t near the team headquarters. It’s in Milan, and he doesn’t even commute in a Ferrari road car, opting instead for Fiat’s helicopter,” Clarkson claimed.
“It made me wonder – what is Lewis now? A driver? Or a superstar?”
Clarkson’s comments implied that Hamilton’s lifestyle choices could hinder his focus and integration into the Ferrari team, potentially affecting his chances of championship success.
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A balancing act: Fame and racing
While Clarkson’s criticism highlights concerns about Hamilton’s approach, it also reflects the challenge of being one of the most recognisable figures in motorsport.
Over the years, Hamilton has embraced a multi-faceted identity, blending his racing career with pursuits in fashion, music and activism.
For his fans, Hamilton’s larger-than-life persona is part of his appeal. His ability to connect with fans, whether through social media or in-person interactions like the one at Fiorano, has helped increase F1’s global appeal.
However, critics such as Clarkson argue that this approach could detract from Hamilton’s focus on racing, especially as he joins a team with high expectations and a storied legacy. Ferrari’s last Drivers’ Championship came in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen and fans are desperate for a return to glory.
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Ferrari’s perspective: A new era
Despite the controversy, Ferrari are optimistic about Hamilton’s arrival. Team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed confidence in the partnership, citing Hamilton’s experience and determination as invaluable assets.
“Lewis is a proven champion and his drive for success is a perfect match for Ferrari’s ambitions,” said Vasseur in a recent interview.
“We are delighted to have him on board and are fully committed to supporting him in his quest for an eighth title.”
Hamilton himself has remained focused on the road ahead, emphasising his desire to contribute to Ferrari’s legacy and secure his place in F1 history.
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The road ahead
As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter, the question remains: can he silence his critics and deliver the results Ferrari fans crave? His first season with the team will undoubtedly be a test of his adaptability, resilience and ability to thrive under immense scrutiny.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the British driver as he navigates the challenges of being both a global superstar and a Ferrari driver. Whether Clarkson’s criticisms have merit or are merely sensationalist commentary, only time will tell if Hamilton’s approach translates into success on the track.
One thing is certain – Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari promises to be as captivating as the man himself.
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Lewis Hamilton debuted for his new Ferrari Formula One team this week on a damp cold morning in Fiorano. Despite hysterical reports in the Italian media suggesting local police had been asked to monitor almost a state of emergency with the expected masses that would descend to see the first black driver in the red of Ferrari, around just a 1000 fans turned up for the historic moment.
Earlier in the week Hamilton had visited Maranello where again the expected throng was more subdued than expected, there he had signed autographs for the tifosi, met with his new engineering team along with a sit down with Ferrari group CEO Benedetto Vigna and team principal Fred Vasseur.
Whilst there were reports Hamilton’s lap times on Wednesday were sub-par when compared to those when Fernando Alonso or Sebastian Vettel first sat in a Ferrari Formula One car, the impossible nature of making such a comparison deserves little more than this sentence now affords the topic…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
What is Clarkson now, a motoring journalist, bloviated right-wing mouthpiece (or poundshop Piers Morgan), or just a tax evading “Farmer”
The whole event will have been meticulously planned with Ferrari, from the photoshoot wit the F40 to the factory tour and “hovering video drone”
Clarkson gets worse everytime he opens his gob
Right! ALL recent world champions, Schumacher, Räikkönen, Vetttel, Alonso, that raced for Ferrari arrived and behaved just like Lewis!!…..
What a joke. How many championships has Clarkson won? He is a blowhard. That’s what he does. Hamilton is a celebrity and driver. Sorry pal.
You think you’re gonna one up Hamilton?
You have an active imagination. That’s it.
Give the guy a break! It was his first day. Relax man, relax.
Oh Jeremy, why for art thou so driven to bestow such negativity upon such an epic day? I would have more enjoyed your version of celebrating what transpired, but alas, the provocateur could not resist. Do you, but I think you could do better. Here we have two icons of the sport joining forces to set the stage for an extraordinarily exciting season ahead while starting on intriguing new chapters in their respective and collective storylines. The stuff of movies it is, and worth every bit of what today’s media was able to capture and share with the masses.
As an event, it was most certainly a sensational one where both Ferrari and Hamilton handled their respective responsibilities with nothing short of class and aplomb. Hamilton paid his new partner great respect by showing up dressed in a manner indicative of someone who means business (just as Schumacher did) and he paid the Tifosi great respect by acknowledging and appreciating them. This is what good humans do. Hamilton is a global star for sure and a good human to boot! Good on you, Sir Lewis!
Enjoy the show, Mr. Clarkson.
But at least the blowhard got some undeserved publicity for himself. A typical Posh Boy, albeit from a non-Posh family, who should rather STFU when it comes to someone like Lewis who is without doubt – especially considering his completely non-Posh background – the GOAT in F1.
Clarkson is a sad “little man” whose time has come to stop making himself a complete moron. He is just Pierce Morgan’s little bitch.
“[…] the expected masses that would descend to see the first black driver in the red of Ferrari […]” –> such writing literally leaves me nonplussed 😕😐 Such poor writing, that even the writing itself wishes it hadn’t been put down on paper.
Honestly? Is THAT so interesting? The fact that his skin ain’t white? I’m all for interesting stuff, in fact I’m able to find interesting things almost anywhere around me, but that? In no way qualifies as interesting.
I’m not even buying into the fact that the “masses” were looking to see precisely THAT. Instead, it’s… Poor & simple writing. You’d think you learn something new from journalists…. Not!
Kettle calling pot mr celebrity farmer 🧑🌾
Why oh why is it necessary to poke fun, belittle people and sometimes just be downright rude. Everybody has their life to live, most of us do the best we can. Unless it is something outrageous or illegal, live and let live, I say.
People like Clarkson have always been telling Lewis he does everything wrong. Funny how he’s managed to win 105 races without taking their advice…
This Clarkson is simply real idiot 😠