Hamilton: Judge me after a few years at Ferrari, not half a season

Lewis Hamilton has urged fans and critics to reserve judgment on his Ferrari tenure until after "a few years," dismissing the notion that his performance in the initial stages of his maiden season with the Italian marque should define its success.

Hamilton made a highly anticipated move to Ferrari after 12 seasons with Mercedes, but the 2025 season has started below expectations for both him and the team. Ferrari, initially tipped as a primary challenger to McLaren, currently trails the reigning constructors' champions by a significant 152 points after only six races.

While Hamilton has shown glimpses of his brilliance, including a Sprint race victory in China and a third-place finish in the short sprint at Miami, he has generally struggled to consistently match his teammate Charles Leclerc in qualifying and race pace.

When questioned about whether the upcoming triple-header, beginning with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, would be a defining period for Ferrari's season, Hamilton stated:

"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 introducing new parts early in the European season. Hamilton expressed optimism that these new components could help him improve his current standing of seventh in the drivers' championship, where he is 90 points behind leader Oscar Piastri.

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, Hamilton shared his mental strategy for maintaining motivation:

"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."