Hamilton FINALLY issues statement on Ferrari disqualification

Lewis Hamilton has finally broken his silence regarding the disqualification of both Ferraris at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Hamilton had been silent on the matter, posting a variety of different promotional posts on his Instagram account throughout the two-week break from F1, but not directly mentioning his disqualification.

The seven-time world champion finished sixth at the Shanghai International Circuit, but that was scratched from the record after routine FIA inspections revealed excessive wear on his rear skid block.

His disqualification came as team-mate Charles Leclerc was also disqualified from the race, after his car was found to be underweight at the conclusion in a double Ferrari blow.

Now, heading into the Japanese GP weekend, Hamilton has spoken out on the issue, suggesting the team are trying to remain positive amid the zero points from the main race in China.

"On Saturday in qualifying I changed something in the set-up compared to the sprint and I carried the problems into the race," he told media ahead of the Japanese GP weekend.

"In the sprint our pace was excellent, on Sunday in the race it was tough, but I was impressed by how the team handled the double retirement, we all remained positive.

"We need to find the right set-up. I'm still learning about the car. Over the last few months, I've been watching the team work and I'm convinced that the foundations for future growth have been laid. We know there are areas where we need to improve."

Ferrari's disastrous season start

Following the news of the double disqualification, Ferrari were demoted down to fifth in the constructors' championship, having accumulated just 17 points across the opening two grand prix weekends.

Hamilton's victory in the sprint race in China has given the team's points tally a respectable look, after two disastrous full-length races.

If it wasn't for the Chinese GP sprint race, Ferrari would currently be sat on five points, behind the likes of Sauber, Haas and Aston Martin.

The team have a long way to go if they are to challenge for their first title of any kind since 2008, a clear goal set by their signing of seven-time world champion Hamilton ahead of the season.

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