Hamilton Admits Vegas Comeback Offers 'Zero' Consolation Amidst 'Worst Season Ever'

Lewis Hamilton’s challenging first season with Ferrari reached a new low in Las Vegas, as the seven-time world champion openly admitted that his recovery drive from 20th to a single point brought him no satisfaction. He described the year as his “worst season ever” and expressed deep frustration that his efforts have not stemmed the downward spiral.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's candid and bleak assessment highlights the profound struggles Ferrari is facing, as one of F1's most decorated drivers publicly grapples with unprecedented career lows. This ongoing frustration could significantly impact team morale and strategic direction as Ferrari looks to rebuild.

The Details:

• Qualifying Woes: Hamilton started 20th after failing to cross the line in time for a final Q1 lap during qualifying, setting the stage for a difficult race.
• Lack of Satisfaction: Despite climbing 10 places to finish 10th and score a point, Hamilton stated he felt “terrible” and dismissed the achievement as “the most meaningless 10 places, doesn't mean anything. It's still a bad weekend.”
• Season-Long Frustration: He confessed, “no matter how I try, how much I try, it just keeps getting worse,” summarizing the year as “22 bad weekends.”
• Teammate Disparity: Hamilton remains sixth in the standings, without a podium, and increasingly distant from teammate Charles Leclerc, who, despite his own frustrations, found encouragement in his race pace.
• Future Outlook: When asked about the remaining races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Hamilton expressed deep pessimism, saying, “I don't even know how many points we have, but at this rate, with my performance, we're done.” He also cast doubt on whether the off-season would offer a chance to reset.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's unusually blunt and pessimistic remarks are striking, revealing a level of personal and professional despondency rarely seen from him. His statements go beyond typical post-race disappointment, suggesting a fundamental breakdown in confidence and an inability to find any positives amidst Ferrari's struggles. This stark honesty underscores the severity of the challenges facing both Hamilton and the team.

What's next:

The remaining races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will test Ferrari's resolve as they continue to fight for second in the constructors' standings. For Hamilton, the focus will be on simply getting through a season he clearly wants to forget, with hopes that the 2026 regulations bring a fresh start and a more competitive package.