Lewis Hamilton explains his post-Brazil radio message, as he reacts to Toto Wolff’s comments and also clarifies the Enzo Ferrari’s home scene.
While there was not huge murmurs on the radio message from Mercedes’ Hamilton post the Brazil GP where he hinted on it being his last race, it was picked up by social media users. Some brushed it noting that he may have said it to team personnel having his last event.
But when asked about the radio message in Las Vegas, Hamilton explained the mindset behind it. He admitted that he meant it, considering the bad outing in an unpredictable car. “Naturally, in the moment I didn’t feel great, obviously with that last race [in Brazil],” he said to media.
“But obviously, I’ve had an amazing last week with lots of great projects I’m working on, including the F1 movie. There’s a lot going on. Obviously, I’ve got a collection here with Tyler The Creator. That’s what makes those things important, to be able to rebound from weekends like that [Brazil].
“Heat of the moment, sure – I’d much rather be on the beach, chilling. I don’t need to do this. But I’m here, and I love this job still. I’m here to absolutely give it my all these last few races, and finish out strong. That was always the plan,” summed up Hamilton. He was also asked about two other things that happened between the races.
The first was related to the comments made by Toto Wolff in the book that Mercedes launched reflecting on 2023 and half of 2024 F1 season. He talked about his relief in avoiding talks with Hamilton regarding the future F1 contract with Mercedes. That the Brit already decided to go to Ferrari, it helped the Austrian in avoiding any discussions of potentially a 1+1 contract, taking in context Hamilton’s shelf-life.
Hamilton didn’t spill much on the topic, but noted that he did speak with Wolff. “I don’t really have much…there’s not much…I spoke to Toto earlier, he said that…I have not seen what is in the news if I am honest, up until this weekend, so I’ve not been keeping up to date with it,” he said. “It doesn’t make any difference to me. I think he’s clarified his point.
“Toto has been massively supportive over the years, doesn’t really make any bearing. I think just me being here, standing tall, I feel strong, I’ve been training well. Honestly I feel like I’m in the best place I’ve been mentally and considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough. I’ve been around this game for a long time.
“There’s been so many things that have been said about me. There’s been so many microaggressions – not from my boss because he’s been supportive – but in general within the media, nothing can take me down. I’m still here, I’m still fighting and I’m going to continue to push. We’ve got a team that I generally still love and even though I’m leaving, I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races,” summed up Hamilton.
Relating to the Ferrari news, that he is expected to stay at Enzo’s home in Maranello, the Italian outfit already rubbished the claims made by Italian media and Hamilton too did the same. “It was not something I was talking about,” he said. “I look forward to one day getting to see the building and the legendary room because that’s still the same as when he was there. But no, I don’t think I would stay there.”
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