Lewis Hamilton Clarifies 2026 F1 Season Comments After Vegas Frustration

Lewis Hamilton has clarified his post-Las Vegas Grand Prix comments where he stated he wasn't "looking forward to" the 2026 F1 season with Ferrari, explaining they were made "in the heat of frustration." He emphasized that he does not regret his decision to move to Ferrari, despite a challenging first season with the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025 and the subsequent regulatory changes in 2026 mark a pivotal moment in his career and for the team. His initial comments sparked concern, but his clarification underlines his commitment to Ferrari and his hope for future success, despite current struggles. For Ferrari, a motivated Hamilton is key to unlocking potential under the new regulations and returning to championship contention.

The details:

• Vegas Frustration: Following a difficult Las Vegas GP, where he qualified last and finished eighth after penalties, Hamilton expressed significant disappointment, calling 2025 his "worst season ever" and stating he wasn't looking forward to the "next season" (clarified as 2026).
• Clarification in Qatar: Ahead of the Qatar race weekend, Hamilton addressed these comments, attributing them to "the heat of frustration" and general end-of-season fatigue.
• No Regrets: Hamilton firmly stated he does not "regret" his decision to join Ferrari, acknowledging that building and growing within an organization takes time.
• Team Integration: He highlighted positive aspects of his first year with Ferrari, including gelling with the team and feeling the "amazing passion" within the organization.
• Learning Curve: Hamilton identified "rebounding" and "getting back up" as major lessons from the challenging season.
• 2026 Regulations: The 2026 season will introduce new chassis and engine regulations, presenting a significant opportunity for Ferrari to reset and for Hamilton to make his mark.
• Current Season Struggles: Ferrari has faced a bruising 2025 season, still without a win with only two rounds remaining. Hamilton remains without a podium, trailing teammate Leclerc significantly in the standings.

What's next:

Hamilton's commitment to Ferrari, extending through the 2026 season, signals his intent to be part of the team's future success, especially with the upcoming regulatory changes. While the current season has been tough, his focus is on moving forward and contributing to the team's development. The real test will come as Ferrari develops its 2026 car and power unit, aiming to provide Hamilton with a competitive package to challenge at the front of the grid.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's immediate post-race frustration is understandable given Ferrari's performance in 2025, which has fallen short of expectations for a driver of his caliber. His quick clarification, however, demonstrates a strategic effort to manage perceptions and reaffirm his dedication to his new team. This balancing act of honesty and optimism is crucial as he navigates a challenging transition period and looks towards the long-term project at Maranello.