Lewis Hamilton Voices Ferrari Optimism After Tough Debut

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Lewis Hamilton has delivered an optimistic assessment of life at Scuderia Ferrari, insisting there is “great harmony” within the team despite a difficult debut season that fell well short of expectations.

Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari failed to yield immediate success on track. He finished sixth in the drivers’ standings and, for the first time in his Formula 1 career, completed a full season without a grand prix podium. His lone highlight came in the Sprint Race at the Chinese Grand Prix, a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging campaign.

Ferrari’s competitive decline was compounded by a strategic decision taken in April to halt aerodynamic development of its 2025 car, redirecting resources toward the sweeping regulatory reset scheduled for 2026. As a result, Ferrari was unable to keep pace with its main rivals and ended the season 435 points behind constructors’ champions McLaren, a stark contrast to the 14-point deficit it faced in 2024.

Despite those setbacks, Hamilton stressed that the internal atmosphere at Ferrari remains constructive and forward-looking, with a collective focus on learning from the shortcomings of 2025.

“I’ll never compare Ferrari to another team, just because it is so different,” Hamilton told media, including RacingNews365.
“I’m constantly inspired when I go back to the factory. Every time, it is the most amazing feeling.”

Hamilton highlighted the emotional and cultural elements of Ferrari as central to his continued motivation, suggesting they transcend short-term results.

“There is just something romantic when you go to Ferrari, with the brand,” he said.
“And there is great harmony in the team, even with all the ups and downs that we’ve been having.”

According to Hamilton, the mood inside the factory reflects a shared determination to convert the disappointment of 2025 into a stronger platform for the future, particularly with the 2026 regulations looming.

“Everyone is just so focused on taking the learnings from 2025 to build a better future,” he explained.
“That encourages me every time I go back to the factory.”

While maintaining a positive outlook, Hamilton acknowledged that Ferrari is fully aware of the areas requiring improvement and is actively addressing them as part of its long-term rebuild.

“Of course, there are areas we need to improve,” he added.
“We’ve spoken about those, and that’s what we’re working on.”

Hamilton’s comments underline Ferrari’s emphasis on cohesion and long-term planning as it prepares for the most significant regulatory overhaul in Formula 1 history. With development focus already shifted toward 2026, Ferrari is betting that early sacrifices will translate into future competitiveness.

For Hamilton, the challenge now lies in turning optimism and internal harmony into tangible results on track, as Ferrari seeks to transform a bruising debut season into the foundation for a return to championship contention.