F1 legend Lewis Hamilton disclosed that he signed his Ferrari contract in Hawaii in January 2024. Although he secured the deal early, the seven-time world champion completed the entire 2024 season with Mercedes before officially joining Ferrari for the 2025 campaign. His move to the Maranello-based team marked a significant change in his career after many years with Mercedes.
Since beginning with Ferrari, Hamilton has faced challenges, failing to reach the podium even once and struggling to match the performance of his teammate Charles Leclerc. Despite those difficulties, Hamilton expressed gratitude and pride for joining what he called the most prestigious team on the Formula 1 grid.
“It’s such an honour to be part of this team,”
Hamilton said during the Ferrari 2026 season launch event.
“Second year feels still very fresh, I remember signing the contract, I was in Hawaii at the time, couldn’t believe still to this day that I get to work for this iconic brand.”
Assessing Hamilton’s 2025 Challenges
Ferrari’s performance in 2025 did not meet expectations, and Hamilton himself delivered inconsistent results throughout the season. He finished 86 points behind Charles Leclerc, who secured seven podium finishes, marking Hamilton’s largest margin of defeat against a teammate in his Formula 1 career. This gap underscored the struggles Hamilton faced adapting to Ferrari’s machinery and race conditions.
The 41-year-old knows that improving his results is vital to securing a future contract beyond 2026, as his current Hawaii-signed agreement concludes at the end of this year. Hamilton and Ferrari will be hoping that the new regulations introduced in 2026 help turn the situation around, offering a stronger car and improved competitiveness.
In the previous four seasons, Hamilton only managed two grand prix victories under past regulations, indicating the difficulties encountered. The 2026 cars could better suit his driving style, potentially allowing him to rediscover his peak form and deliver stronger performances for the Italian team.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
With his contract up for renewal, Hamilton faces pressure to make significant gains in 2026 to earn another chance with Ferrari. The new technical rules bring hope for both the team and the driver, as enhanced car capabilities might allow Hamilton to showcase his talent more effectively. His ability to adapt and maximize the new machinery will be crucial for his future in Formula 1 and with Ferrari.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts will closely watch whether Hamilton can regain his winning edge and close the gap on Leclerc, ultimately influencing his standing within the team and the sport’s competitive landscape.
