Doha, Qatar – Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion now driving for Ferrari, has reaffirmed his commitment to the team despite a challenging 2025 season and recent expressions of frustration. Speaking ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit, Hamilton clarified comments suggesting he was not looking forward to 2026, attributing them to the pressures of a difficult year. His move to Ferrari has been closely watched, but the results have yet to materialize, creating intense scrutiny.
The British driver, currently facing a notable gap in the driver standings, acknowledged the time needed to integrate fully into the Ferrari organization. This weekend’s race represents the penultimate event in the 2025 championship, offering a limited opportunity to improve his standings before the season concludes.
Addressing Concerns About His Ferrari Transition
Hamilton’s recent struggles, highlighted by a last-place qualifying position in Las Vegas, prompted questions about his decision to leave Mercedes. However, he firmly stated that he does not regret joining Ferrari, emphasizing that building a successful team takes time and collective effort. According to reports, this is the first season in his career he has failed to reach the podium by this point, a statistic not lost on fans and analysts.
He explained that his comments following the Las Vegas Grand Prix were made “in the heat of frustration” after a disappointing race.
Performance Gap with Teammate Leclerc
The seven-time champion is currently 74 points behind his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, in the driver’s championship. Leclerc has also consistently outperformed Hamilton in qualifying, securing the better position 17 times out of 22 races this season. This disparity has fueled speculation about Hamilton’s adaptation to the Ferrari car and team dynamics.
Hamilton acknowledged Leclerc’s strong performance, attributing it to the Monegasque driver’s seven years of experience with the team and established working relationships. He added that establishing those same strong bonds with his new crew at Ferrari is an ongoing process.
Looking Ahead to Winter Development
Hamilton emphasized the importance of the upcoming winter break for Ferrari, stating that the team will conduct a thorough analysis of the 2025 season to identify areas for improvement. He believes a collective effort is necessary to address the current challenges and unlock the team’s full potential, noting no one within the organization is overlooking the work that needs to be done. This focus on development mirrors strategies employed by other top Formula 1 teams during the off-season.
The performance struggles have led to questions about the overall competitiveness of Ferrari this year in the series, with some suggesting the team has underestimated the level of change required. However, the team maintains that it is committed to providing Hamilton with a car capable of challenging for wins and championships.
The situation highlights the complexities of switching teams in Formula 1, even for a driver of Hamilton’s caliber. Factors such as car setup, engineering collaboration, and team culture all play a pivotal role in a driver’s success. The team’s ability to refine the car based on Hamilton’s feedback will be crucial for future performance.
The Qatar Grand Prix will be a key opportunity for Hamilton to assess his progress and contribute to Ferrari’s development efforts. The performance during this race, and at the final race in Abu Dhabi, will provide further insight into the team’s trajectory going into the 2026 season. The team is also anticipating significant changes to F1 regulations in 2026, adding another layer of complexity to their preparations. What remains to be seen is whether Ferrari can capitalize on these changes and deliver a consistently competitive car for both Hamilton and Leclerc.
Following the Qatar Grand Prix, the 2025 Formula 1 season will conclude with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after which teams will enter a period of intensive development and preparation for the 2026 season, which will feature new technical regulations. The extent of Ferrari’s improvements during the winter break, and Hamilton’s ability to adapt to those changes, will be critical factors in determining their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
