Every racing career has moments that test persistence more than talent. For Lewis Hamilton, joining Ferrari in 2025 painted a picture of those extremes, from the thrill of a sprint win in China to the frustration of a disqualification and a winless season. The challenge of adapting to a new team and car with lofty expectations struck a fine balance between hope and reality.
Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari proved tougher than many anticipated. After a year without podium finishes—a first for the seven-time world champion—his distance from teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured seven podiums, highlighted the steep learning curve he faced. Ferrari struggled overall, missing wins amid technical shakeups and a demanding car setup that Hamilton openly found difficult to handle. Performance engineer Jock Clear called Hamilton’s struggles “reassuring,” emphasizing that success with Ferrari often takes time and persistence, as echoed by Hamilton’s own reflections about 2025 being a “very draining year.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Hamilton’s resolve is clear in his message about change and growth. He pledged to leave behind unhelpful patterns, recharge, and embrace new routines that support progress. Ferrari’s upcoming SF-26 car launch marks not just a new era with updated regulations but an opportunity for Hamilton to come back stronger and closer to the competitive sweet spot he seeks. The season promises a quiet evolution not just for the team’s machinery but for Hamilton himself, who remains determined to find inner peace and renewed focus on the track.
Hamilton’s first Ferrari season may have been frustrating, but it marked a necessary beginning towards eventual success in red.
Do you think Hamilton’s mindset and 2026 car changes will help him bounce back with Ferrari? Let us know in the comments below.
