Lewis Hamilton asks to be judged after a few years with Ferrari

Formula 1 veteran and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is emphasizing a long-term perspective regarding his performance and success with the Ferrari team, suggesting his tenure should be evaluated over "a few years" rather than just the initial races of his first campaign. Hamilton joined Ferrari in a highly anticipated move after 12 years at Mercedes but has experienced a start to the 2025 season that he acknowledges has been challenging.

Despite expectations that Ferrari would be a primary contender against reigning champions McLaren, the team currently trails significantly, 152 points adrift after only six rounds. Hamilton himself has shown glimpses of form (China Sprint win, Miami Sprint third) but has "largely struggled to match his team-mate Charles Leclerc" in qualifying and race distance. He is currently seventh in the drivers' standings, 90 points behind the leader.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Hamilton downplayed the idea that these upcoming races would define Ferrari's season ("don't put it all on these three races"). He reiterated his call for a long-term perspective, asserting, "I'm not judging our success by a short amount of racing, half a season, one season." Hamilton prefers evaluation "at the end of a few years," seeing the current period as "paving stones."

Hamilton is really hopeful

Hamilton is "really hopeful" that planned upgrades at Imola, the first European race often a point for new parts, will improve the car. He noted at the factory this week the team is "taking accountability" and "actioning changes." He discussed his mental approach: self-belief ("ultimately, it comes down to the self-belief you have"), belief in improvement, using "tools" when low. He avoids external judgments from those who "don't actually know." He reminds himself of his seven titles and race win record. Hamilton maintains faith, believing they'll "get there at some stage" with patience, seeing "no lack of enthusiasm or talent" in the team.