Hamilton clarifies explosive remarks: 'I use criticism as fuel'

Lewis Hamilton has claimed he uses criticism as "fuel" after his robust comments in a TIME article sparked intrigue in the world of F1.

The seven-time drivers' champion has moved to Ferrari for the 2025 season, with the magazine article chronicling how he reached the decision to leave Mercedes after 12 years with the Brackley-based squad.

To commemorate the switch, which has widely been hailed as F1's most iconic driver joining its most iconic team, the 40-year-old commissioned the photoshoot and interview with the world-famous publication.

"I came up with a creative for that," the 105-time grand prix winner explained to media including RacingNews365. "So it was my idea to do that shoot, which is something I'm really proud of.

"It's my first creative directed to photo shoot. I'm so happy with how it came out. I actually haven't had a second to read the story, but I heard it's come out really well."

However, some if his remarks have gained traction online, ruffling some feathers in the process, particularly over not listening to criticism surrounding him.

"I’ve always welcomed the negativity," said Hamilton in the TIME article. "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. How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that."

In particular, there has been considerable noise and negativity around his move to Ferrari, with many talking heads and pundits, such as Eddie Jordan, contenting it was a mistake for Ferrari to sign him and that he is well past his best.

"Naturally, in our sport, criticism is something that everyone receives," Hamilton said to media including RacingNews365 when asked about his remarks on tuning out those kind of comments.

"I think I've probably been on the receiving end of it a lot more, perhaps, throughout my career. I'm just in the mindset of just: keep my head down, keep doing what I'm doing.

"I know that I'm growing each day, I know I'm bound to make mistakes - I'm only human.

"But one thing that I'm proud of is that I have the drive, I have the focus, I'm able to admit when I'm wrong, and I know that tomorrow I will work to be better.

"And it really doesn't matter to me, some of the comments that have come out over my career. It's not just been this past 12 months or so. I just use that as fuel."