Damon Hill on Ferrari/Lewis Hamilton: “Political problem within the team”

Following the Mexican Grand Prix and the internal dispute at Ferrari, the former Formula 1 driver and 1996 world champion had already spoken out in favour of Lewis Hamilton as the Scuderia’s number one driver. The Briton reiterated this view on Sky’s F1 show following the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

Hill on Ferrari: “They’ve invested all that in him; they’ve got this massive name in the sport on board. If they have a competitive car next year, they could win both world championships, but I don’t see how they’re going to win them with two drivers behaving the way they are at the moment, with Charles constantly racing against Lewis.” So for Hill, it seems clear: Lewis Hamilton should be given priority over his team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Hill: Ferrari should back Lewis Hamilton all the way

Hill: “As team principal, you have to make a decision on how you want to approach the battle. And I think it makes sense to go all-in on Lewis. They’ve gone to all that trouble and made all those investments to get him to this point. That would quite clearly be a massive sensation. His eighth world title is practically a foregone conclusion.” That would then be a solo record.

Hill: “I think Lewis exudes a certain dignity. I mean, don’t forget how he was last year. He was devastated. He’s basically been devastated since Abu Dhabi – that is, since 2021.” That is, since the historic season finale, which Hamilton (then still with Mercedes) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) went into level on points, and in which the world championship title went to Verstappen by the narrowest of margins following a controversial decision by race control.

Lewis Hamilton: Back on his feet after Abu Dhabi 2021

Hill: “He’s fought his way back up. He’s performed incredibly well this year, much better than I’d expected – especially considering I’d assumed it would be very difficult – but he’s bounced back.”

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Hill on his compatriot: “He’s an extraordinary character. And this year, he’s secured pole positions and won races in a Ferrari. Who would have thought that possible last year? I think we need to sort this out within the team, because there’s a political issue there. To me, it looks as though there are factions within the team backing one side or the other. That sort of thing mustn’t be allowed to happen if you want to be a serious contender against Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes.”