Lewis Hamilton has described his experience at Ferrari as much more intense than he originally anticipated since joining the Italian team this season, after over ten years with Mercedes. The Lewis Hamilton Ferrari intense experience has presented both surprises and challenges as he adapts to a new racing environment filled with high hopes and pressure.
The Reality Behind Ferrari’s Passionate Atmosphere
Hamilton transitioned to Ferrari amid widespread anticipation that the switch would be demanding, yet he appeared to settle into the team‘s culture quickly beyond the public appearances and track events. However, he soon realized that the internal environment at Ferrari was far more intense than he had imagined, especially regarding the work taking place at the factory.
“It’s not at all what I expected; it’s more intense in so many areas,”
Hamilton explained to French media outlet RTBF Actus.
“I didn’t expect that. I didn’t think the team at the factory would be so impressive. I was expecting energy, but this… it’s even more intense than I imagined.”
The passion and pride within the Ferrari team runs deep, rooted in their heritage and their connection to the Italian brand and country, something Hamilton acknowledged and admired.
“There’s a huge sense of pride within this team. During a shoot last week, I had a big smile on my face the whole time,” Hamilton shared.
“I love being in red! I look at the badge and I think, ‘Wow!’ It’s Ferrari, I can’t believe it. I still have to pinch myself, I think, ‘I’m driving for Ferrari.’ It’s phenomenal.”
Challenges on the Track: Disappointing Results and Performance Pressure
Despite his admiration for Ferrari‘s internal spirit, Hamilton’s recent on-track results have been underwhelming. Throughout the current season, he has not secured any podium finishes and struggled with qualifying sessions, including early exits that have hampered his race progress.
At the 2025 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton’s disappointment was evident after he failed to make it past early qualifying. He openly suggested that the team might consider a driver change, noting his teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole position in the same event.
The race concluded with Hamilton finishing in 12th place, a position that did little to boost Ferrari’s fight for points in the Constructors’ Championship, where the team is currently vying for second place. Meanwhile, Leclerc continues to be Ferrari’s top points contributor this season.
Support from Former Mercedes Leadership Amid Tough Times
Even as Hamilton’s Ferrari campaign has faltered, his performance struggles have not gone unnoticed by those at Mercedes. Team principal Toto Wolff, who led Hamilton during his championship-winning years, expressed understanding and backing for the seven-time World Champion’s current difficulties.
Wolff emphasized Hamilton’s emotional transparency and reminded everyone of his status in the sport’s history despite recent results.
“He’s emotionally transparent since he was a young boy and adult, so he is going to beat himself up. He is the GOAT, and he will always be the GOAT, and nobody is going to take that away, and for sure not a single weekend or race season that has not gone to plan,” Wolff said.
“It is something that he needs to remember, that he is the greatest of all time.”
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds for Hamilton and Ferrari
While the early part of the 2025 season has been difficult for Hamilton at Ferrari, there is cautious optimism surrounding his ability to rebound as the remaining ten races approach after the summer hiatus. If Ferrari cannot improve its race performance, Mercedes could pose a serious threat to the Italian outfit’s current hold on second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Hamilton’s journey reflects both his personal drive to meet Ferrari’s demanding expectations and the broader competition dynamics at play in Formula 1 this year, making the upcoming months critical for the team and the driver alike.
