Lewis Hamilton has sought to clarify his recent comments regarding the upcoming Formula 1 season, which raised concerns about his enthusiasm for the future with Ferrari. Following a challenging period, Hamilton stated he is “not looking forward” to next year during a media session at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, he later emphasized that he does not regret his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari.
In a statement made ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton explained that his remarks were made in the “heat of frustration,” shortly after a disappointing race. He remarked, “I would be surprised if the other drivers are excited about next year at the end of a season. Usually, you don’t have a lot of energy at the end of the season.” Despite his struggles this year, he expressed optimism about the team’s future, stating, “I am excited to see what the team does next year.”
Hamilton has faced difficulties adapting to his new environment. He acknowledged that he is still learning to navigate the dynamics of the Ferrari team. Nevertheless, he has played an active role in the development of Ferrari’s 2026 car, which he hopes will yield better results. “We’ll analyse the season and there’s lots of improvements we need to make collectively,” he said. “I believe that we can implement those changes along with hopefully a better package next year.”
Despite the challenging year, Hamilton remains confident in his abilities and his team’s potential. He noted that his teammate, Charles Leclerc, has had a more successful season, scoring 74 points more than Hamilton and achieving podium finishes seven times. In contrast, Hamilton has not finished in the top three in any Grand Prix this season.
However, he stressed that he is not worried about this disparity. “Charles has done a great job. He has been here for seven years and has a team around him who he has worked with for many years, so it is a well-oiled machine,” Hamilton explained. “On my side, it is a new group of people. It is a new environment that I am still getting used to.”
As the season progresses, Hamilton is focused on enhancing his performance and adapting to Ferrari’s culture. He remains committed to collaborating with his team to improve the car’s performance and overall operations trackside. With the Qatar Grand Prix approaching, Hamilton’s determination to succeed remains evident as he looks forward to overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.
