Ted Kravitz Questions Hamilton's Ferrari Approach After Disastrous Debut Season

Lewis Hamilton's first season with Ferrari was a career-low, marked by a complete absence of Grand Prix podiums for the first time. According to Sky F1's Ted Kravitz, the seven-time champion's belief that he could instantly implement his winning expertise from Mercedes and McLaren proved to be a miscalculation. Instead of transforming the Scuderia, Hamilton faced public criticism from team chairman John Elkann, highlighting a season of unmet expectations and a shift in focus toward 2026.

Why it matters:

This season challenges the narrative of Hamilton as a guaranteed fix for any team's problems. His move to Ferrari was one of the most significant in recent F1 history, built on the promise of returning both driver and team to championship glory. The failure to deliver immediate results raises questions about Ferrari's internal culture, the car's performance deficit, and whether a driver, no matter how great, can single-handedly overcome deep-seated issues within a team.

The details:

• A Career First: For the first time in his illustrious career, Hamilton failed to secure a single Grand Prix podium, with his only victory coming in a sprint race.
• The Miscalculation: Kravitz reports Hamilton believed his extensive experience would allow him to make key changes and immediately restore Ferrari to the winner's circle, expecting full support from chairman John Elkann and team principal Fred Vasseur.
• Public Rebuke: The plan backfired when Elkann publicly criticized both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc late in the season, signaling a shift in management's patience and support.
• The 2026 Focus: Much of the season was treated as a write-off, with Ferrari and Hamilton shifting their focus and resources toward the major regulation changes coming in 2026.

What's next:

Hamilton is expected to remain with Ferrari, pinning his hopes on the 2026 regulations to level the playing field and provide a competitive car. However, the initial dream of an immediate revival has been replaced by a more pragmatic, and perhaps more difficult, challenge of rebuilding trust and proving he can still deliver wins against teammate Charles Leclerc. The 2026 season is no longer just an opportunity; it's a critical test for both Hamilton and the Scuderia.