Hamilton Eyes More 'Firsts' with Ferrari After Reflective Debut
After a challenging debut season, Lewis Hamilton believes his best moments and 'firsts' with Ferrari are still ahead, looking beyond a winless year on track.
Lewis Hamilton views his debut season with Ferrari as a foundation-building year, emphasizing that his most significant moments with the Scuderia are yet to come. Despite a challenging 2025 campaign marked by the absence of a Grand Prix podium for the first time in his illustrious career, the seven-time world champion finds his highlights in the off-track "firsts" that marked his historic move from Mercedes.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's perspective reveals a long-term strategic mindset focused on integration and legacy rather than immediate results. For a driver of his stature, prioritizing cultural assimilation and team bonding after a decade at one team signals a deep commitment to Ferrari's project. This approach sets the stage for a potentially formidable partnership as the team gears up for future challenges, where Hamilton's experience could be pivotal.
The details:
- On-Track Struggles: The 2025 season was a statistical anomaly for Hamilton, who failed to stand on a Grand Prix podium for the first time in his F1 career.
- A Singular Bright Spot: He did secure a notable victory, winning Ferrari's first-ever Sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix.
- Personal Highlights: When asked about his best moments, Hamilton pointed to the foundational experiences:
- "Highlights were the first day at the factory. My family was just there with me, driving around Fiorano for the first time, meeting the whole team for the first time. All the firsts were big, big highlights for the team."
- Future Focus: Hamilton remains optimistic, stating, "And there's still more firsts to have, so that means there's something to look forward to."
What's next:
Hamilton's comments suggest he and Ferrari are looking beyond the transitional 2025 season and are fully focused on the future. The upcoming season will be a critical test of the progress made during this integration period. With more "firsts" on the horizon, including potentially a first Grand Prix win with the team, all eyes will be on whether this new partnership can translate its strong foundation into on-track success and a genuine challenge for the championship.