Hamilton takes jibe at Ferrari over Chandhok 'new evidence' video

©Mercedes

40

Lewis Hamilton said any concern he may have had about Ferrari's Canadian Grand Prix penalty review was quickly alleviated when he learned what the Scuderia's new evidence was all about.

Ferrari submitted to the FIA on Friday a list of items destined to help it potentially overturn the five-second penalty that robbed Sebastian Vettel of a race win in Montreal, to Hamilton's benefit.

When the Mercedes driver learned that one of the main items presented by Ferrari was a video of an analysis by Sky F1 pundit Karun Chandhok, Hamilton chilled.

FIA rejects Ferrari's request for review - Hamilton win stands

"It was definitely odd coming here when I heard that Ferrari was spending time focusing on something past," he explained on Saturday in Paul Ricard after securing his 86th pole.

"Naturally for me with my team I would be having them focus mostly on trying to improve the car.

"But then we came here and I think when I arrived in the morning I heard it was Karun Chandhok’s video that was the new evidence. I was pretty relaxed after that and just put it behind me."

Hamilton also addressed the aftermath of his Canadian win when he was booed on the podium.

"It’s not easy when you hear boos for example but that’s part of the game and if anything it generally just spurs me on. I know I’ve got great support when I come to these races.

"Particularly on my social following I’ve got a lot of great people following me there. Even if you feel crap it’s not a bad time to say something motivational."

©Mercedes

Indeed, the reigning world champion posted a message on Instagram a 3am on Friday morning!

"So much hate in this world. No matter what, you can't hold a brother down! I will rise above it all, always," he wrote.

"I was tossing and turning and I was awake and when you’re awake, and you’re frustrated not being able to sleep, your mind rattles," he said, elaborating on his social media post.

"Nonetheless I got really great messages from friends who naturally worry when I post something like that!

"It was kind of words of empowerment, how I sometimes get low and then I’ll fight through it.

"I got a lot of positive responses from fans, who said ‘I’m going through a difficult time right now but you just lifted me up’.

“That’s a great feeling when that happens. My friends did the same for me: lifted me up, I came in and had a good day yesterday. I came in today on a real positive."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.