Hamilton defends work ethic after Elkann jibe

Lewis Hamilton has insisted he does not believe he can work any harder to help improve Ferrari’s performance.

- Giles Richards

The 40-year-old driver was reacting to a rebuke from the Ferrari president John Elkann, who had stated he should: “Focus on driving and talk less.” Hamilton however maintained pointedly that the issues at Ferrari would not be fixed with “the click of a finger”.

Hamilton, who has yet to claim a podium for Ferrari in what has been an immensely trying first season with the team, was outspoken after another disappointing race at the last round in Brazil, after which he described his debut year with a Ferrari as “a nightmare”. Elkann responded equally bluntly with his riposte.

Speaking before this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton insisted his relationship with Elkann remained “great” but took issue with the suggestion he should focus more on his driving when asked if it was a fair comment.