Lewis Hamilton has been urged by Ferrari staff principal Fred Vasseur to “settle down” following feedback he made on the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton’s first season in F1 as a Ferrari driver led to disappointing outcomes, together with his post-race feedback fairly miserable.
Hamilton certified final on outright tempo for the primary time in his 17-year F1 profession, however recovered to tenth on the street within the race (later eighth because of the disqualification of the McLaren driver).
A very depressed Hamilton later mentioned in an interview with Sky Sports activities F1: “I really feel horrible. It has been the worst season ever and regardless of how exhausting I attempt, it is solely going to worsen.”
In a separate interview on BBC Radio 5 Stay, Hamilton insisted there was “nothing optimistic” to return out of the race.
“I am trying ahead to it being over, I am trying ahead to it being over. I am not trying ahead to what’s subsequent.”
When requested if he was referring to this weekend’s race in Qatar, Hamilton replied: “Subsequent season.”
Hamilton’s newest feedback come after the 40-year-old Briton described his first 12 months at Ferrari as a “nightmare” after retiring from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix two weeks in the past.
Vasseur understands Hamilton’s frustration
Ferrari supervisor Vasseur stands by Hamilton
Ferrari staff principal Vasseur performed down the star driver’s latest worrying feedback, pointing to the truth that they had been made within the warmth of the second.
“Lewis’ response instantly after the race is comprehensible,” Vasseur mentioned.
“However we have to settle down, discuss and give attention to the subsequent two (races) as a result of the subsequent two races will deliver us again.”
“You additionally need to keep in mind that Lewis was in FP1 and FP2 and had good tempo.
“You need to construct up the weekend like this and I do not suppose beginning twentieth is the easiest way.”
The Frenchman added: “While you’ve had a troublesome race, it’s totally exhausting for them to be on TV 5 minutes after the race. I fully perceive the adrenaline and the feelings.”
“I do not know if regular is the suitable phrase, however on the finish of a race when a driver hasn’t finished an ideal job, when the automobile is not doing nicely, I would quite the motive force brazenly say he is annoyed than go into the TV field and say, ‘I do know, the staff is ideal, the automobile is nice’ or no matter. On this case, the motive force shall be upset.”
“I am unable to blame them in a scenario like this and I believe it is regular for individuals to be slightly upset generally proper after a radio present or a session. I am not upset, however I get slightly emotional.”
“An important factor now is just not what you say within the TV pen, however what you do with the staff on Monday morning. They attempt to do higher and attempt to push the staff to do higher, however that is extra the motive force’s job than what they are saying within the TV pen.”
Vasseur additionally claimed that Hamilton’s efficiency has improved in latest occasions.
“It is true that the previous few weekends have been very tough mathematically, with Brazil having a DNF and Mexico having a penalty,” he mentioned.
“However general, when it comes to pure efficiency, I believe Mexico and Austin had been in all probability Lewis’ finest weekends as nicely.
“However this additionally applies to the staff, we’ve not been capable of put every part collectively within the final couple of weeks.
“That is why, mathematically and when it comes to the championship, we took an enormous step again. However when it comes to pure efficiency, I do not suppose we’re in too dangerous a form.”
