Lewis Hamilton says using Snapchat during Thursday’s FIA press conference ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix was “meant to be fun, not disrespectful”, with the Mercedes ace calling for an overhaul of the event’s format.
Hamilton was part of the six-driver line up facing the media at Suzuka and could be seen laughing while spending most of the presser on his phone.
When asked about what he was doing, the triple world champion replied: “It’s quite funny, just some snaps of us drivers, it’s quite funny. That’s about it.
“Hey man, we’ve been doing this a long long time and it’s the same each time so got to keep adding new things to it.”
It did not take time before Hamilton’s behaviour came under fire from the media, who saw his attitude as a “lack of respect” to them but also to the Japanese fans.
I agree, the FIA press conference format is static, but you can't defend this. pic.twitter.com/yBRoXBymkA
— Ben Hunt (@benjhunt) 6 octobre 2016
Think the world champion could have ditched the phone and concentrated a little harder for the benefit of the huge Japanese audience https://t.co/P6NjHNZsam
— Kevin Eason (@easonF1) 6 octobre 2016
“Today was meant to be fun, not at all disrespectful,” Hamilton tweeted in response. “Some people take themselves too seriously. I had a blast, highlight of my day!
“Regarding the press conference, it's been the same for 10 years. It's not the media or mediator, it's the format. Fans should be asking the questions!!!”
Today was meant to be fun, not at all disrespectful. Some people take themselves to seriously. I had a blast, highlight of my day!
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 6 octobre 2016
Re press conference, it's been the same for 10 years. It's not the media or mediator, it's the format. Fans should be asking the questions!!
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 6 octobre 2016
Judging by Carlos Sainz’ comment on Hamilton’s exploits, looks like the Briton has at least one supporter among his peers.
Hey @LewisHamilton no offense but my mum says im the cutest of both
