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Lewis Hamilton’s first season in Ferrari red was expected to be one of Formula 1’s defining storylines of 2025. Instead, it unfolded into one of the most turbulent campaigns of the seven-time World Champion’s illustrious career. With the Abu Dhabi finale approaching, Hamilton has delivered his most candid assessment yet, opening up about his struggles, the resilience he discovered, and the structural changes he believes Ferrari must consider heading into 2026.
This report is based on information from F1’s official website.
A first year at Ferrari that fell short of expectations
Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari ignited immense anticipation across the sport. Yet the 2025 season has delivered far fewer highs than expected. Although the 40-year-old claimed a Sprint victory in China, he has not stood on a Grand Prix podium since joining the Scuderia — a fact that underscores the broader performance gap Ferrari continues to fight.
Reflecting on what he will carry into next season, Lewis Hamilton shared the emotional significance of his early days with the team:
“I'll always remember the first day in Maranello, and the first day driving when my family were there in Fiorano. I will carry the spirit of this team.”
He emphasized the passion inside Ferrari’s walls, adding: “The team has the best spirit… so much passion there, so I just take that bundle of passion and just try and put that into next season.”
Resilience through a difficult campaign
Despite the setbacks, Hamilton insists this season has revealed something important about his character. When asked about the biggest lesson of the year, he was direct:
“That I'm resilient… if I can get through a season like this, then there's nothing that I can't face moving forward.”
His comments reflect a personal evolution shaped by one of the toughest seasons he has encountered since entering Formula 1 in 2007.
Why Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari must make changes
Looking toward 2026, Hamilton made it clear that standing still is not an option. He revealed that personnel changes — both within his inner circle and inside the team — may be necessary to build a more efficient and cohesive working structure.
He explained the process ahead: “It’s not actually a straightforward process… I’ve got to decide what my approach is when it comes to sitting down with the key stakeholders… to create the change that's needed.”
Lewis Hamilton described how he has documented each weekend’s mistakes and decision-making patterns throughout the season, noting: “There’s a lot of learnings to do there… whether people need to move into different positions to work better – all these different things need to be looked upon.”
When pressed on whether changes were unavoidable, Hamilton didn’t hesitate: “Definitely not.”
Ferrari realistic about Abu Dhabi and beyond
Looking ahead to the season finale, Hamilton acknowledged that Ferrari will not factor into the title fight among Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. “We’re nothing to do with what’s happening at the forefront,” he admitted, adding that Ferrari’s machinery still trails the top three teams.
Still, Hamilton hopes to deliver something positive before turning the page: “Everyone is really positive – we want to end on a high and I’m incredibly proud of every single person in the team.”
As Ferrari prepares for a critical off-season, Lewis Hamilton’s message is clear: to climb back to the front, the team he joined with so much hope must be willing to evolve — starting now.
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