Lewis Hamilton spoke about the challenges faced in his debut season with Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time Formula 1 champion went without a podium finish in GPs throughout the year, becoming the first Scuderia driver to experience an entire season without podium achievements in 44 years, since Didier Pironi in 1981. However, looking ahead to 2026, Hamilton enters the new season with a more optimistic perspective, believing that Ferrari has everything necessary to fight for victories.
Read more F1: Mercedes sees Melbourne as the first big test of the year
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Hamilton reflected on the ‘uncomfortable questions’ he asked himself after the 2025 season, marked by various difficulties: “The important thing is to analyze where you are, set goals and a way to achieve them,” he stated. He recalled that his main goal in 2025 was to win the title with Ferrari, but that it was not possible, falling far from that goal: “That doesn’t mean I can’t get there. You have to look inside yourself, observe the people around you, from your colleagues to your family, stay motivated and ask yourself uncomfortable questions: ‘Am I doing enough? Can I be better? Can I be kinder? How should I change my methods?’,” he said.
Hamilton also admitted to feeling ‘heavy’ from the responsibilities last season, but highlighted the importance of ‘rediscovering joy’: “When we presented the new car, I felt as happy as a child,” he stated. He emphasized that his approach for 2026 is different, as he is more involved in the development of the new SF-26: “I have been working on the 2026 car for several months, in the simulator and with the engineers. Compared to the previous one, which was already practically ready and had little to change, this car has a bit of my DNA, and that excites me”.
Read more Comparatto fights for victory and finishes third at Interlagos in the Carrera Cup
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Hamilton was also asked about a possible title fight with Charles Leclerc: “I don’t see it that way. Ferrari is one thing: in Italy and in the world, people follow it like a religion and love it like the Pope. My goal is not to divide the fans. We both want to win, and of course, I want to be the winner, but the team comes first,” he added.
Hamilton acknowledged Leclerc’s talent, saying: “Charles is a phenomenal driver in terms of his driving and ethics, and he has been here for eight years. But I am entering this championship in a different way. We have to do the work together and with the fans. It’s easier said than done, but I came to Ferrari because I believe in it, and I still believe,” concluded the experienced seven-time Formula 1 champion.
Read more F1: Wolff and Vasseur claim that the midfield could surprise soon
