Lewis Hamilton Calls Debut Ferrari Season His 'Worst Ever' Despite Vegas Point
Lewis Hamilton has labeled his first season with Ferrari as his “worst ever” in Formula 1, even after securing a point in Las Vegas. The seven-time World Champion's struggles this year, including a lack of podiums and a low points haul, are compounded by recent public criticism from Ferrari president John Elkann, highlighting the team's ongoing challenges and the immense pressure on its drivers.
Despite charging from 19th to 10th at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has declared his debut campaign as a Ferrari driver his “worst season ever” in Formula 1. The Mercedes-bound driver’s frustrations highlight a challenging year marked by a lack of performance and recent team criticism.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's candid assessment underscores the significant struggles Ferrari has faced this season, failing to consistently challenge the front-runners. His comments also reflect the immense pressure on the team and drivers to perform, especially after Ferrari president John Elkann's public call for more focus from the drivers. For Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, a 'worst ever' season is a stark indicator of the team's current position and the mountain they need to climb.
The Details:
- Vegas Performance: Hamilton started 19th in Las Vegas after a P20 qualifying, his lowest grid position based purely on pace. He completed a long first stint on hard tires before switching to mediums, ultimately finishing 10th and securing one point.
- Statistical Lows: With two races remaining, Hamilton has accumulated just 149 points, his lowest tally since 2009. He is also on course for his first season without a Grand Prix podium, a significant dip for a driver of his caliber.
- Presidential Criticism: Ferrari president John Elkann publicly criticized the drivers after a double DNF in Brazil, stating, “We have drivers who need to focus on driving, talk less, and we have important races ahead of us… We need drivers who think more about Ferrari and less about themselves.”
- Hamilton's Response: Prior to Vegas, Hamilton responded by emphasizing collective responsibility and his commitment to turning the team's fortunes around. He highlighted the passion within the team and the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Constructors' Battle: Ferrari lost further ground to Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship battle for P3 in Las Vegas, dropping 20 points behind with two races left.
The Big Picture:
Hamilton's