Lewis Hamilton Declares 'No Regrets' After 'Nightmare' First Season with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has firmly stated he has “no regrets” about his decision to join Ferrari, despite what he described as a “nightmare” first season. This declaration comes amidst a challenging period, including a career-first slowest qualifying pace in Las Vegas and the risk of his long-standing podium streak ending.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari, announced for the 2026 season, has been one of the biggest stories in recent F1 history. His unwavering commitment despite early struggles at Mercedes in 2024, (after the article says 'Ferrari season') with two races remaining without a podium, highlights the immense pressure and expectation surrounding his future. His resilience and focus on long-term team building offer a glimpse into his leadership and strategic thinking as he prepares for a new chapter.

The details:

• Challenging 2024 Season: Hamilton experienced his worst qualifying performance in Las Vegas, finishing last on pure pace. While he recovered to 10th and was promoted to eighth after McLaren's disqualification, his season has been fraught with difficulties, including a DNF in Brazil.
• Podium Streak at Risk: For the first time in his career, Hamilton faces the possibility of finishing a season without a single podium. With only two races left in 2024, he has a narrow window to maintain his remarkable record.
• Ferrari Commitment: Despite current struggles, Hamilton remains resolute in his decision to join Ferrari. He emphasized that he understands the process of building and growing within an organization and expected challenges.
• Team Development: Hamilton acknowledged the significant work ahead for Mercedes over the winter. He believes the team needs collective improvements and a “better package” for the next year.
• Team-mate Gap: When asked about the performance gap to Charles Leclerc, Hamilton expressed no concern. He attributed Leclerc's strong performance to his seven years with Ferrari and his established, “well-oiled machine” of a team.
• New Environment: Hamilton highlighted that he is still adapting to a new group of people and a new environment at Mercedes, with a new team member joining mid-season. He stressed that building cohesion takes time.

What's next:

Hamilton's focus is clearly on the future and the significant work required during the off-season. He is banking on collective improvements within his current team and a stronger car package for 2025 as he prepares for his eventual move to Ferrari in 2026. His belief in the long-term project suggests a strategic patience despite the immediate frustrations.