Hamilton dismisses Jordan’s Ferrari criticism as “Negativity”
Lewis Hamilton dismisses Eddie Jordan's claim that Ferrari's decision to replace Carlos Sainz with him was "absolutely suicidal," saying he doesn't respond to "older, ultimately, white men" who comment on his career choices.
Seven-time champion refuses to engage with criticism from "older, ultimately, white men"
Lewis Hamilton has firmly rejected Eddie Jordan's harsh criticism of Ferrari's decision to sign him over Carlos Sainz, stating he doesn't feel compelled to respond to comments from "older, ultimately, white men" about his career choices.
The seven-time World Champion's move to Ferrari was announced on February 1 last year, just one day after informing Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff of his decision to activate his exit clause.
The switch represents Hamilton's final opportunity to secure an unprecedented eighth world title.
"Absolutely suicidal" claims from Jordan
Former team boss Eddie Jordan didn't mince words when discussing Ferrari's decision on the Formula for Success podcast.
His criticism centered on disrupting what he viewed as Ferrari's established team dynamic.
"I say to John Elkann, who's the chairman of that group, what the f**k was he thinking about in getting rid of Carlos, when he had a very happy, friendly, structured team that knew how to work together,"
Jordan said.
The 76-year-old acknowledged Hamilton's character but remained critical of Ferrari's decision-making process.
"Lewis is a particularly nice person. I'm not sure there's many nicer people on the grid than Lewis Hamilton, so I don't think he'll have a problem there,"
Jordan added.
"However, my FFS goes to John Elkann of Ferrari for even authorising, signing off on that deal. It was absolutely suicidal to get rid of Carlos."
Hamilton's measured response
When confronted with Jordan's comments, Hamilton maintained his composure and expressed a familiar stance toward such criticism.
"I've always welcomed the negativity,"
Hamilton told Time magazine.
"I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing."
The British driver emphasized that his approach focuses on performance rather than rhetoric.
"How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that," Hamilton said.
Marketing move or competitive strategy?
Hamilton's Ferrari move has prompted varied opinions within the Formula 1 community.
Former Ferrari driver Jacky Ickx suggested the signing was "probably for marketing reasons" rather than purely competitive considerations.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann strongly rejected this characterization, defending both Hamilton and the team's motives.
"I think it's really unfair to Lewis, some of the comments saying, 'This is a marketing operation'," Elkann said.
"Truth said, Lewis doesn't need that. Ferrari doesn't need that. What we need to do is win championships and do great things on the track."
Elkann believes success on track will naturally drive other opportunities for the partnership.
"If that happens, what we can do outside of the track, in some ways, takes care of itself. There's unlimited possibilities," he added.
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