Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has stated that assessing his performance and impact at Ferrari should be done after `a few years` with the team, rather than based on the initial period of his first season.
Hamilton made a high-profile move to Ferrari after a distinguished 12-year career at Mercedes. However, his start to the 2025 season has not met expectations.
Ferrari was anticipated to be a strong contender for titles, potentially challenging the reigning champions, but currently trails by a significant 152 points after the first six races.
While Hamilton has shown glimpses of his skill, including a Sprint victory in China and a third-place finish in the Miami Sprint, he has generally found it challenging to match his teammate Charles Leclerc`s pace in qualifying and full race distances.
When asked if the upcoming series of races, starting with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, would be crucial for Ferrari`s season, Hamilton responded that he doesn`t view it that way.
“I don`t put it all on these three races,” he said. “If we were to have three bad races, hopes would still remain alive. I don’t believe that will be the case, but I’m just saying, we don’t pin it to one race.”
Hamilton stressed that he is not evaluating his success at Ferrari based on a short timeframe, like half a season or even one season.
“Let’s talk at the end of my career here at Ferrari, at the end of a few years here at Ferrari, then let’s talk about what we’ve done,” he explained. “That’s when we can look back and say whether or not we were successful.”
“These few months are paving stones towards where we’re going, and that’s that,” he added.
Hamilton `Really Hopeful` for Imola Upgrades
Like many teams, Ferrari is expected to introduce upgrades at Imola, a common venue for introducing new car parts as the European leg of the season begins.
Hamilton expressed optimism that these updates could help him improve his current position of seventh in the drivers` standings, where he is already 90 points behind the leader.
“I was at the factory on Tuesday and Wednesday, seeing the team here, I think everyone’s taking accountability for where we are, and we’re trying to action changes moving forwards,” Hamilton commented.
“We’ve got some bits here this weekend that hopefully can improve the car. I’m really hopeful.”
Having displayed visible disappointment with recent results, Hamilton also discussed his mental approach to staying motivated.
“Ultimately, it comes down to the self-belief you have, and it’s just a mentality,” he said. “I truly believe I’m far from perfect, I truly believe that each day I can do better, I can try harder and if I fail, I try again.”
He explained how he copes when things are difficult: “When it gets low, I have tools which I utilise. I don’t really listen to all the stuff. There’s so many rumours, so many people making assumptions, comments, judgements – 99 per cent of them don’t actually know really what’s going on, probably 100 per cent don’t know what I’ve been through to get where I am today.”
Hamilton concluded by reflecting on his past achievements as a source of strength. “I think the other things I have often find myself having to just remind myself, I have won seven titles, I have won more [races] than any other driver in history, I have to remind myself that I also have done great things.”
“And while things aren’t always going to be great, and we’re having this period of time, things will get better, if you believe and if you continue to push and work,” he affirmed. “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.”
