Lewis Hamilton has openly acknowledged the difficulty in recalling the last significant triumph for Ferrari, highlighting the depth of the team’s prolonged title drought. The British driver joined Ferrari last year, starting his debut season in red in 2025 after the squad showed strong performance improvements in the latter part of the previous year.
Despite promising signs, Ferrari’s momentum has not continued into this season, with Hamilton yet to secure a podium finish after 17 races. This stark reality places him at risk of completing his first full season without a top-three result since the start of his Formula 1 career. Such an outcome would mark the poorest season for the seven-time world champion, whose previous worst years still included multiple podium appearances.
Breaking Ferrari’s Extended Title Wait
Addressing questions from the French newspaper L’Equipe regarding his motivations for joining Ferrari, Hamilton expressed the importance of delivering a championship title.
“Yes, definitely. Because it hasn’t happened in a long time, I don’t even know how long they’ve been waiting…”
he stated, emphasizing the team’s urgent desire to end their dry spell.
Ferrari’s last Constructors’ Championship victory occurred in 2008, coinciding with Hamilton’s first drivers’ championship win, which he clinched in a dramatic showdown against Felipe Massa. The previous drivers’ title for Ferrari was secured by Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, marking nearly two decades without a drivers’ crown for the iconic team. While Ferrari has experienced lengthy droughts before, notably in the 1980s and 1990s, the current lack of constructors’ success is unprecedented in their history.
In the same interview, Hamilton underscored the significance of a championship for Ferrari and for himself:
“For Ferrari more than any other team, this title would mean a lot. But I would also really like to win the drivers’ title.”
Context of Hamilton’s Career and Ferrari’s Legacy
Hamilton’s career achievements include seven world championships, with some challenging seasons that still yielded several podium finishes. His current campaign with Ferrari marks a distinct contrast, as the lack of podiums after numerous races signals a tough period for both driver and team. Ferrari’s historic dominance in Formula 1 has been well documented, but their recent struggles showcase a challenging rebuilding phase.
The history of Ferrari’s title drought is notable not only for its length but for the pressure it places on drivers like Hamilton, who are expected to restore the team to its former glory. This ongoing challenge underscores the competitive and unpredictable nature of the sport.
The Road Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
As the season progresses, Hamilton and Ferrari face mounting pressure to reverse their fortunes. Securing a title would be a landmark achievement, not only breaking a lengthy drought but also fulfilling Hamilton’s personal ambitions after his move from Mercedes. The implications extend beyond this season, as success or continued struggles will shape the team’s strategy and driver careers in the future.
