Lewis Hamilton has firmly rejected suggestions that he has lost faith in Ferrari following the team’s double disqualification at the Chinese Grand Prix. After a move from Mercedes that captured headlines, Hamilton finished 10th in his debut race for Ferrari in Australia. He then claimed victory in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint, only to be disqualified the following day after finishing sixth due to excessive wear on the car’s plank. Discussing the situation for the first time since, Hamilton labeled the idea that he might be losing faith as “complete rubbish,” insisting his confidence in the team remains unshaken.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, would have placed higher in Australia if not for a strategic error that led him to stay on dry tires during wet conditions. His disqualification in China was a setback, but he remains optimistic about the team’s future. “I don’t really feel any frustration afterwards. It is what it is,” Hamilton commented, emphasizing the team’s unity in handling the highs and lows. He praised Ferrari for its diligent work in analyzing data and moving forward after the incident.
The anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s partnership with Ferrari was substantial, given his storied career. Despite this, Hamilton never expected immediate triumphs. He stated, “There was obviously a huge amount of hype at the beginning of the year… but that wasn’t my expectation. I know that I’m coming into a new culture, a new team, and it’s going to take time.” He expressed his ongoing effort to understand how Ferrari operates, finding it distinct from his experiences at McLaren and Mercedes.
In conversations with Sky Sports F1, Hamilton underscored his trust in Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, and outlined his approach to integrating into Ferrari’s workings. “Every team has been different… and here again,” he explained, suggesting a thoughtful observation of Ferrari’s operations before making any significant changes. He highlighted areas for potential improvement but was confident in the team’s capabilities under Vasseur’s leadership.
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes, where he spent 12 seasons, included terms that restricted his participation in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last December. This, along with issues during February’s pre-season testing in Bahrain, limited his opportunities to familiarize himself with the new 2025 tires. Nevertheless, he found the Sprint race in China to be a valuable learning experience. “It was the first time I actually had done a long run on any of the tires,” he shared, highlighting the unexpected bonus it provided.
The Formula 1 calendar takes to the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix, with live coverage on Sky Sports F1. Hamilton and Ferrari will be looking to build on their recent experiences and focus on the future. The growing understanding between Hamilton and his new team may be crucial as they aim for continued progress and success in the ever-competitive world of Formula 1.
