Lewis Hamilton responds with class to Eddie Jordan's bold claim on Ferrari move being “suicidal”

Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has undoubtedly been one of the most talked-about decisions in motorsport. The union of F1’s most successful driver with the iconic Scuderia Ferrari team has made waves, but not all reactions have been positive. Prominent figures like Eddie Jordan have openly criticized Hamilton’s move, questioning its potential impact on Ferrari’s team dynamics and his form in the latter part of his career.

Eddie Jordan, former owner of the Jordan Grand Prix F1 team, had initially labeled Lewis Hamilton’s transition as “suicidal.” Jordan expressed concerns that replacing Carlos Sainz with Hamilton could disrupt the existing harmony between Sainz and Charles Leclerc. He also noted that Hamilton’s 2024 season with Mercedes had been underwhelming, leading to doubts about his ability to perform at his usual high standards.

However, Jordan later softened his stance, acknowledging that he had “warmed to the idea” of Hamilton joining Ferrari. This shift in attitude followed Hamilton’s public debut in Maranello, with iconic photographs that highlighted the grandeur of the occasion and the early weeks of his transition, presenting a new image to the public and media alike.
In a recent interview with TIME, Hamilton addressed the criticism head-on. The 40-year-old, who is no stranger to public scrutiny, expressed that he “welcomed the negativity” surrounding his career. He emphasized that his on-track performances would be the ultimate response to any doubts.
“I’ve always welcomed the negativity,” Hamilton said. “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.”
Hamilton’s remark regarding “older white men” references longstanding critics like Bernie Ecclestone and Sir Jackie Stewart. Stewart had previously questioned Hamilton’s “hunger” for racing, particularly before his victory at the 2024 British Grand Prix, while Ecclestone criticized Hamilton’s off-track pursuits, such as music and fashion, suggesting they could hinder his focus on F1.
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Hamilton’s confidence and resilience in the face of criticism signal that he remains determined to prove his critics wrong as he prepares for a new chapter with Ferrari in 2025.