The veteran recently had his work ethic criticised – much to his frustration

Lewis Hamilton has said he may need to “unplug more”, responding with calm assurance after Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly criticised the team’s drivers by telling them to “focus on driving and talk less” in the wake of a difficult weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion, 41, retired in São Paulo in what has been a largely frustrating first season with Ferrari, while team-mate Charles Leclerc also failed to finish.

Ferrari sit fourth in the constructors’ standings after a campaign marked by inconsistency, prompting Elkann’s pointed message to his drivers.

But speaking before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton suggested his problem might be quite the opposite – that he is too focused rather than distracted.

“I wake up thinking about it [driving], and I go to sleep thinking about it, and I think about it when I’m sleeping,” he said.

“If anything, I have to focus on being able to unplug more.

“It’s been a really heavy year. It’s been the busiest year that I think I’ve had. I’ve been at the factory more than I think I was at any other factory before.”

The greatest drivers in F1 history | GETTY/GBNEWS

Lewis Hamilton has said he may need to “unplug more”, responding with calm assurance after Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly criticised the team’s drivers by telling them to “focus on driving and talk less” in the wake of a difficult weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix | REUTERS

Hamilton revealed that he had advanced notice of Elkann’s comments.

The pair spoke by phone before the remarks were made public, and he insists he understands the intention behind them.

“I know where John’s intentions are,” he said. “We speak sometimes several times a week, so we have spoken several times since last week.

Lewis Hamilton had been criticised by Ferrari chief John Elkann| GETTY

“It’s all about bringing the team together and we are all really together. We are all deep in it. The passion just runs so deep.

“But I love that and I can never fault someone for having passion like that.”

Hamilton has not stepped on the podium once this season, a rare drought in a career built on relentless success.

He currently sits sixth in the drivers’ standings, trailing Leclerc by 76 points, and questions have inevitably surfaced about what lies ahead for him at Ferrari.

The Briton, however, is clear that he remains committed, having signed a three-year deal and expressing unwavering belief in the team’s long-term trajectory.

“There’s just been so much to do and so much to learn,” he said, reflecting on his debut campaign with the Scuderia.

Lewis Hamilton is still searching for his first podium with Ferrari as the Las Vegas Grand Prix looms| GETTY

“It’s definitely tough when we’re all working for something and then you fall back.

“It’s like we’re climbing up a mountain, then you arrive at the weekend and you kind of slip a few steps back or 10 steps back. You have to then get back up and try again the next time.”

Even amid setbacks, Hamilton insists perseverance will eventually pay off.

“I’ve backed this team 100 per cent and I back myself 100 per cent,” he said.

“I know that when we get things right, it’s going to be amazing, and I can’t wait for that moment because I’d love to see what you’re going to write after that.

“I truly believe that’s what’s going to happen. I’m just not losing sight of that, even through the difficult days that we’ve had.”