Lewis Hamilton is determined to transform his fortunes at Ferrari, stating that he “refuses” to become another star driver who fails to secure a world championship with the iconic team. The seven-time world champion has faced a challenging debut season, struggling to achieve a podium finish in his first 12 races with the SF-25, which has not met pre-season expectations as a title contender. Ahead of the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed that he has been actively engaging with key figures at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters to address the team’s issues.
In a statement on Thursday, Hamilton shared insights into his recent activities at the factory. “I was at the factory a couple of days in each week. Naturally, you’re going over where we were at the previous race, things we need to change,” he noted. He has conducted numerous meetings with prominent team members, including Ferrari’s chairman, John Elkann, chief executive, Benedetto Vigna, and team principal, Fred Vasseur. Hamilton emphasized the importance of these discussions, stating that they focused on developing the car for next year, including the engine and suspension.
Hamilton has also submitted comprehensive documents outlining his concerns and suggestions for improvement after each race. “I did a full document for the team. Then, during this break, I had another two documents that I sent in,” he explained. He stressed the need for structural adjustments within the team to enhance performance across various areas, as well as addressing specific issues with the current car.
Ferrari has not claimed a championship title since 2008, and Hamilton’s ambition is to change that narrative. Notable drivers such as Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel have all experienced similar disappointments during their tenures with the team, failing to add to their championship accolades. Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, now in his seventh season, has also struggled to mount a serious title challenge.
Reflecting on his goals, Hamilton stated, “The reason for it is that I see a huge amount of potential within this team. The passion, nothing comes close to that.” He believes that the team’s legacy deserves to be complemented by future championships. Hamilton aims to challenge every aspect of the team’s operations, particularly at the decision-making level. “I’m just challenging certain things. They’ve been incredibly responsive. We’ve been improving in so many areas,” he added.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses, Hamilton remains focused on cultivating alliances within Ferrari to foster a winning culture. “I’m here to win, and I don’t have as much time as this one,” he remarked, referring to the younger drivers coming into the sport. With a firm belief in Ferrari’s potential to win multiple championships, Hamilton is committed to playing a pivotal role in reshaping the team’s future.
The Belgian Grand Prix marks a crucial point in the season, and Hamilton’s efforts to instigate change at Ferrari will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. As he continues to push for improvements, the upcoming races will serve as a litmus test for both Hamilton and the team as they strive to reclaim their place at the forefront of Formula 1.
