Hamilton: Judge my Ferrari success after a few years, not half a season

Lewis Hamilton stated that the success of his tenure at Ferrari should be evaluated after "a few years" with the team, rather than focusing on the initial phase of his first season.

Hamilton made a high-profile move to Ferrari after 12 years with Mercedes but has experienced a challenging start to the 2025 season. Ferrari, anticipated to be McLaren's primary title rival, currently trails the reigning constructors' champions by 152 points after only six rounds.

While Hamilton has shown glimpses of brilliance, including a Sprint race win in China and a third-place finish in the shortened format in Miami, the seven-time world champion has generally struggled to match teammate Charles Leclerc in qualifying and over longer race distances.

When asked if the upcoming triple-header, beginning with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, would define Ferrari's season, Hamilton responded:

"I don't put it all on these three races. If we were to have three bad races, hopes would still remain alive. I don't believe that will be the case, but I'm just saying, we don't pin it to one race.

"For me, I'm not judging our success by a short amount of racing, half a season, one season. Let's talk at the end of my career here at Ferrari, at the end of a few years here at Ferrari, then let's talk about what we've done. That's when we can look back and say whether or not we were successful.

"These few months are paving stones towards where we're going, and that's that."

Hamilton optimistic about Imola upgrades

Ferrari, like many teams, is expected to introduce upgrades at Imola, the traditional venue for the first European race of the season and a common point for new component introductions. Hamilton is hopeful that these new parts will help him improve his current seventh position in the drivers' standings, where he trails leader Oscar Piastri by 90 points.

Hamilton commented:

"I was at the factory on Tuesday and Wednesday, seeing the team here, I think everyone's taking accountability for where we are, and we're trying to action changes moving forwards.

"We've got some bits here this weekend that hopefully can improve the car. I'm really hopeful."

Despite visible disappointment with recent performances from himself and the team, Hamilton outlined his mental approach to staying competitive.

He stated:

"Ultimately, it comes down to the self-belief you have, and it's just a mentality. I truly believe I'm far from perfect, I truly believe that each day I can do better, I can try harder and if I fail, I try again.

"When it gets low, I have tools which I utilise. I don't really listen to all the stuff. There's so many rumours, so many people making assumptions, comments, judgements - 99 per cent of them don't actually know really what's going on, probably 100 per cent don't know what I've been through to get where I am today.

"I think the other things I have often find myself having to just remind myself, I have won seven titles, I have won more [races] than any other driver in history, I have to remind myself that I also have done great things.

"And while things aren't always going to be great, and we're having this period of time, things will get better, if you believe and if you continue to push and work.

"There's no lack of enthusiasm or talent in this team. I genuinely truly believe we're going to get there at some stage, we just have to be patient."