Lewis Hamilton states "so much noise and pressure" has hindered his enjoyment of his dream F1 switch to Ferrari. The seven-time world champion has faced an inconsistent first half-season without a Grand Prix podium, while teammate Charles Leclerc secured five.
Why it matters
Hamilton's high-profile move to F1's most iconic team generated immense scrutiny, revealing the emotional toll of such expectations even on a sporting legend. His candid remarks underscore the challenge of managing external pressures.
The details
- Performance Gap: Despite a sprint race win, Hamilton lags behind Leclerc in Grand Prix podiums, leading to moments of frustration like his "Ferrari needs a new driver" comment after Hungarian GP qualifying.
- Integration Challenges: He cites the demanding process of integrating into Ferrari, managing new partnerships, and the sheer scale of the team as a "big, big team" and "biggest brand" as sources of pressure.
- Rediscovering Joy: Hamilton emphasizes the need to "start to enjoy ourselves" again, focusing on the "pure love" of the sport, which the surrounding "noise" has obscured.
- Russell's View: Ex-teammate George Russell dismissed Hamilton's self-criticism as emotional "nonsense," affirming his enduring talent despite team performance issues.
What's next
After a summer break to "unplug," Hamilton is determined to adjust his approach for the season's latter half. He remains confident in Ferrari's "potential," aiming to rediscover enjoyment as a key to future success.