Hamilton snaps back at critics: 'It doesn't matter to me'
F1 News
Lewis Hamilton has reflected on his recent photoshoot with TIME magazine at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Brit was asked about his experience with the photo shoot and his experiences in dealing with criticism after the 40-year-old made a bold statement about his career within the magazine.
Hamilton left proud of recent photoshoot
Speaking about the photoshoot in a press conference in Bahrain, Hamilton revealed that it was under his creative direction. "I came up with the creative for that. So that was my idea to do this shoot, which is something I'm really proud of. It's my first creative-directed photo shoot, which 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," he began.
In TIME, Hamilton boldly stated: "Don't ever compare me to anybody else. I'm the first and only black driver that's ever been in this sport. I'm built different. I've been through a lot. I've had my own journey. You can't compare me to another 40-year-old. Past or present, Formula One driver. Because they are nothing like me. I'm hungry, driven, and don't have a wife and kids. I'm focused on one thing, and that's winning."
On the third day of testing in Bahrain, the Ferrari driver was quizzed on his punchy message about not listening to negativity. In response, he said: "I think it's natural in our sport. I think criticism is something that everyone receives. I think I've probably received a lot more of it perhaps throughout my career.
Criticism 'doesn't matter' to Hamilton
"I'm just in the mindset, I 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 what 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," the seven-time world champion concluded.
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