F1 CEO makes Hamilton revelation: 'After that episode we met and talked'
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali empathized with the difficult period Lewis Hamilton is going through, revealing that he spoke with him following the statements made over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
The British driver was downbeat after qualifying ahead of the summer break, calling himself 'useless' after an early elimination in Q2.
In the Netherlands, the seven-time world champion made his way back to Q3, encouraged by a 'smoother weekend'. His Sunday then ended with him hitting the wall in Turn 3.
Many have commented on the Briton's season so far with the Italian team, including Gunther Steiner, who, as a guest on GPblog’s F1 Today podcast, also discussed the possibility of a sabbatical year for Lewis.
Domenicali shows support for Hamilton
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also spoke about the difficult period the seven-time world champion is experiencing. Speaking to a select group of Italian media ahead of the Monza weekend — Hamilton’s first race in red — he revealed that he had spoken with the driver following the statements he made in Hungary.
“Without beating around the bush, I don’t think Lewis expected to face such a difficult start to the season — we’re talking about a champion with immense experience,'' he said.
''I believe the situation will be different in the future, but I was very struck by that moment of humanity revealed in the statement he made over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.''
''After that episode, we met and talked: it was a moment of human vulnerability linked to the challenges he is facing in a context that probably proved more complex than anticipated. But his character will shine through; he will bounce back together with the team.''
According to Domenicali, Hamilton must not be carried away by negative thoughts and should continue straight on his path, as he always has.
''I think he is at an important stage of his career, having taken on a new challenge with the goal of making history by winning with Ferrari, and that must continue to be his objective.''
Finally, he concluded: ''Lewis must not be carried away by negative thoughts — he is a great champion and must keep fighting for the extraordinary goal he has set for himself.”
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