Lewis Hamilton states that improving communication and race weekend procedures at Ferrari is still an ongoing process as he nears the midpoint of his first season with the team.
The British Grand Prix this weekend marks the 12th event in the 24-race calendar. This will be the first occasion the seven-time world champion competes at Silverstone in Ferrari colours before his home fans.
Despite optimism built on a strong finish to the previous season, Ferrari`s performance this year has been somewhat disappointing, with their aspirations of contending for the championship against teams like McLaren not yet realised.
Meanwhile, Hamilton is still getting used to the Ferrari car and the team`s operational methods after more than a decade at Mercedes. He has not yet achieved a podium finish this season, while his teammate Charles Leclerc has secured four top-three results.
With the major F1 rule changes in 2026 on the horizon – changes Ferrari hopes will bring them back into championship contention – Hamilton was asked on Thursday if he was satisfied with the team`s progress in areas beyond the future car development, like communication, updates, and workflows, and if there was room for improvement this season.
He responded directly: “No, it`s an ongoing effort.”
“I`m attempting to introduce and make certain changes,” he explained. “It appears to be a rather slow process, but changes are happening, and we are getting better.”
“Naturally, you want everything to happen immediately.”
“This year is essentially about building a solid base with the team. We are still learning about each other.”
“We operate in different ways, so we`re making compromises and adjustments to prepare ourselves as effectively as possible.”
Austria Strategy Explained: Hamilton Didn`t Want Team-Mate`s Plan
Earlier, speaking to journalists at Silverstone, Hamilton used the recent Austrian Grand Prix as an example of the ongoing process of him and Ferrari adapting to each other.
During the middle phase of last Sunday`s race, while several seconds behind his teammate Charles Leclerc (running third and fourth) and without immediate pressure from George Russell behind, Hamilton asked the pit wall if he could extend his stint before his final pit stop.
The team, however, stuck to their predetermined strategy, pitting him just one lap after Leclerc. The two Ferrari drivers ultimately finished the race separated by nine seconds.
When asked if the strategy had been discussed since Sunday, Hamilton replied: “We talked about it again probably just an hour ago. I brought it up after the race, and then we had time to review it.”
“I believe the team`s priority was to secure third and fourth place, which is understandable,” he stated. “But I told them, `I`m not here to start and finish fourth; I`m competing for every possible advantage we can find.`”
“In that situation, for instance, we were put on identical strategies. I think we both did medium-hard-medium. I suggested a medium-medium-hard sequence instead, to have a different tyre offset at the end. I would absolutely prefer not to be on the same strategy as my teammate.”
He continued, “During the final stint, we weren`t threatened by the cars behind. They argued that Charles would have likely overtaken me towards the finish. I countered by mentioning the possibility of a Safety Car. At that moment, there was no downside to trying a different approach. I also emphasized that I never want to be in a position where I disregard their instructions, so we are focusing on improving our communication.”
“We are still learning how each of us prefers to work, and that mutual understanding is developing.”
Could Hamilton Achieve First Ferrari Podium at Silverstone?
Hamilton returns to the Silverstone circuit a year after his record-breaking ninth win there. That victory was particularly significant for the then-Mercedes driver, ending a two-and-a-half-year winless streak.
Now aged 40, he aims to break another unusual dry spell in his distinguished career: 13 consecutive races without a podium finish.
Despite this, Hamilton has achieved a podium finish in the last 12 British Grands Prix. He commented, “I`m hoping we can perform similarly to Austria, though I haven`t focused extensively on Ferrari`s historical performance here.”
“In dry conditions, McLaren looks set to be very strong,” he added. “However, the weather here, with the potential for wind and rain, can always bring surprises.”
“The support from the home crowd makes a huge difference, and I hope they can help us close the gap slightly.”
Regarding the possibility of a remarkable tenth victory at Silverstone, he said: “I honestly don`t know, and I wouldn`t want to jinx anything. Deep down, I`m hoping for a solid weekend.”
“I haven`t stood on the podium yet this season, so getting one here would be incredibly special. I hope the fantastic support we receive can contribute to that.”
