F1 titan Lewis Hamilton has tactfully dismissed the controversial remarks made by Eddie Jordan, who criticized Ferrari’s decision to rope in Hamilton, sidelining Carlos Sainz. Hamilton’s unflappable response to the criticism underlines his refusal to entertain the opinions of “older, fundamentally, white men.”
Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, is geared up for a fresh chapter of his racing career, now sporting the colors of Ferrari. His move to the Maranello crew is a strategic gamble as he sets his sights on the elusive eighth World Championship title.
While the racing world buzzed with excitement over Hamilton’s switchover, Carlos Sainz, former Ferrari driver, was left grappling with his sudden replacement. Until the last minute, Sainz had been in negotiations to renew his contract with Ferrari, only to learn that his position would be filled by Hamilton at the conclusion of the F1 2024 season.
Ex-Red Bull driver, David Coulthard, expressed his shock at Hamilton’s unexpected move during the Formula for Success podcast, labeling it as the “FFS moment of the year.”
The discussion took a heated turn when Eddie Jordan, the former team boss, vehemently criticized Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton, a 40-year-old Briton. Jordan questioned John Elkann, Ferrari’s chairman, for his decision to displace Carlos Sainz from a team that was harmonious, structured, and accustomed to working together.
Despite expressing his admiration for Hamilton as an individual, Jordan criticized Elkann for approving the deal, terming it “absolutely suicidal” to let go of Sainz.
Hamilton, however, remained untouched by the 76-year-old’s criticism. In an interview with Time magazine, the seven-time World Champion stated, “I’ve always welcomed the negativity,” adding that he never responds to the opinions of older white men who comment on his career.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has stirred discussion among other F1 personalities as well. Former Ferrari driver Jacky Ickx speculates that Hamilton was signed on “probably for marketing reasons,” emphasizing the significance of economics and marketing in F1, beyond just the politics.
In response to this, Ferrari chairman John Elkann defended the decision, stating it was unjust to label the move as a mere ‘marketing operation.’ He stressed that neither Ferrari nor Hamilton need such a strategy. Instead, their focus is on winning championships and achieving brilliance on the track. Elkann believes that off-track developments will naturally follow on-track successes, thus opening up infinite possibilities.