Lewis Hamilton 'taken aback' by Ferrari chairman 'public scolding'

Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson believes Lewis Hamilton will have been “taken aback” by the recent criticisms of chairman John Elkann.

Following a dismal Brazilian Grand Prix in which Ferrari failed to reach the finish with both cars, Elkann insisted the drivers needed to “talk less” and place their focus on driving.

Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc have since played down the significance of the comments, insisting their relationship with Elkann has not been damaged.

Davidson has theorised that Hamilton, who is partaking in his first F1 campaign with Ferrari this year, will have been left shocked by Elkann's approach.

“I think Lewis has still got to find his way into this team more and more, integrate himself into the culture of Ferrari,” Davidson told Sky F1.

“Maybe he’s learned a lesson himself from how it’s been exposed and so publicly in the criticisms from the boss.

“The top of everybody [at Ferrari] has publicly criticised Lewis Hamilton’s comments.

“That would have taken Lewis aback a bit.”

Ferrari has now slipped to fourth place in the constructors' championship following its difficult event in São Paulo.

Its challenges this year have failed to see it claim a race win, while Hamilton is awaiting his first podium for the Italian squad.

Davidson questioned Elkann's methods amid the team's tough period, insisting the situation would have been better dealt with away from the public view.

“Why would you do your dirty washing in public? This could have been easily handled in the closed doors of Ferrari,” he said.

“I don’t understand why it was a public scolding like that.”