Szafnauer said he did not intend to question Hamilton's work ethic when he claimed the Ferrari racer timed his arrivals for photographers. He described Hamilton's commitment as among the strongest he had seen.
Photographer Kym Illman disputed Szafnauer's original claim, saying Hamilton sometimes uses alternative routes and security staff to avoid cameras. Szafnauer later challenged Illman about his own arrival time at Zandvoort.