Hamilton on Ferrari Challenge: 'It's as Challenging as Could Ever Be'

Hamilton's Ferrari Challenge: A Realistic Outlook

Why it matters: Lewis Hamilton acknowledges the difficulties of his move to Ferrari but remains optimistic.

The big picture: Despite a slow start in the 2025 F1 season, Hamilton believes Ferrari can still achieve success.

What's next: Ferrari is planning upgrades, and Hamilton is taking a long-term view of the team's progress.

Lewis Hamilton, despite a challenging start to his Ferrari career, remains optimistic about the team's potential.

After the first six races of the 2025 season, Ferrari has underperformed, only being the fourth-best team. This is a stark contrast to their performance last year when they challenged McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship.

Hamilton's Realistic Expectations

Hamilton admits he anticipated a tough transition, stating he knew it would be challenging.

"I came in with a really open mind. I didn’t know how tough it was going to be. I knew it was going to be challenging. It’s as challenging as it could ever be on all fronts," he said.

Current Performance

Ferrari is currently fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 94 points, trailing Max Verstappen's individual score. Charles Leclerc is fifth in the drivers' standings.

Hamilton emphasizes that he approaches each weekend with the belief that the team will improve.

"You have to believe we’ll find it," he stated.

Hamilton's Self-Belief

Despite the challenges, Hamilton remains steadfast in his belief in the team's ability to deliver.

"Ultimately, it comes down to the self-belief you have, and it’s just a mentality," he said.

He focuses on self-improvement and dismisses external noise.

"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."

Future Plans and Long-Term Goals

Upgrades: Ferrari is planning significant upgrades for the Spanish Grand Prix, coinciding with new technical directives regarding flexible wings.

Long-term view: Hamilton dismisses the idea that the upcoming triple-header will define Ferrari's season, focusing instead on the team's long-term success.

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