Lewis Hamilton News, interviews, analysis & reaction - Motorsport Week https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/hamilton/ Motorsport Week is an independent, FIA accredited motorsport website delivering the latest Formula 1, Formula E, GP2, GP3, WEC, IndyCar, Nascar, Formula 3, WRC, WRX, DTM, IMSA and MotoGP news and results. Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:46:15 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png Lewis Hamilton News, interviews, analysis & reaction - Motorsport Week https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/hamilton/ 32 32 Lewis Hamilton vows to ‘keep going’ ahead of F1’s return from summer break https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/lewis-hamilton-vows-to-keep-going-ahead-of-f1s-return-from-summer-break/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/25/lewis-hamilton-vows-to-keep-going-ahead-of-f1s-return-from-summer-break/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220540 Lewis Hamilton has taken to social media to reassure fans of his motivation to continue despite a difficult F1 season so far

Lewis Hamilton has vowed to "keep going, even when it's difficult" in a social media post ahead of F1's return from its summer break this weekend.

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Lewis Hamilton has taken to social media to reassure fans of his motivation to continue despite a difficult F1 season so far

Lewis Hamilton has vowed to “keep going, even when it’s difficult” in a social media post ahead of Formula 1‘s return from its summer break this weekend.

The Brit has cut a miserable figure for much of his first season with Ferrari, amid a string of poor results by his own usually high standard.

Hamilton has encountered a plethora of issues with the Scuderia’s SF-25 this year, seeing him take just one solitary victory, coming in the China Sprint Race.

In a full Grand Prix, Hamilton has yet to take a podium finish, with four fourth-place finishes the best he has offered so far.

Over much of the season, he has been unable to match team-mate Charles Leclerc, his misery culminating in a Q2 exit from qualifying for the last round in Hungary.

It was this that led to a shocking post-qualifying comment that Ferrari should “change driver” after his “useless” performance, with Leclerc taking pole position in the same car.

Some have also speculated whether the 40-year-old’s time in the sport is at an end, with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone suggesting possible replacements for him.

Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most pole positions at the Hungaroring
Lewis Hamilton has yet to finish on the podium this season, after taking a solitary victory in the China Sprint Race

But taking to his Instagram ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton conveyed a sense of rediscovered motivation.

“I’m always so grateful for this time, for the opportunity to rest and recharge,” he wrote.

“There’s a lot I’ve been meditating on. Every one of us is up against so much, both individually and globally.

“It’s so important that we embrace the light of truth and love and take care of ourselves so that we can better take care of others.

“We can’t look away. We have to keep going, even when it’s difficult.”

Ferrari, which has managed to produce an upgrade for its floor and rear suspension – two areas causing performance and results to suffer – will be hopeful of giving Hamilton a car able to compete starting in Zandvoort.

Hamilton currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 109 points, 40 off fifth-placed Leclerc.

READ MOREFerrari teases possible historic F1 celebration at Italian GP

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Toto Wolff reveals the ‘problem’ that made him ‘hate’ negotiating with Lewis Hamilton https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/22/toto-wolff-reveals-the-problem-that-made-him-hate-negotiating-with-lewis-hamilton/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/22/toto-wolff-reveals-the-problem-that-made-him-hate-negotiating-with-lewis-hamilton/#respond Fri, 22 Aug 2025 06:30:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220203 Toto Wolff has revealed negotiating with a friend like Lewis Hamilton was a "problem"

Toto Wolff has revealed a specific "problem" that made negotiating new deals for Lewis Hamilton at F1 giants Mercedes, something he "hated" doing.

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Toto Wolff has revealed negotiating with a friend like Lewis Hamilton was a "problem"

Toto Wolff has revealed a specific “problem” that made negotiating new deals for Lewis Hamilton at Formula 1 giants Mercedes, something he “hated” doing.

The Austrian enjoyed the luxury of having Hamilton as his driver for 11 years, and together, they achieved the greatest driver-team parntership in F1 history.

Six Drivers’ Championships for Hamilton and eight Constructors’ titles for the German marque was a glowing indication of the fruitful partnership the two men enjoyed.

In doing so, both Wolff and Hamilton became close friends off the track, and remain so to this day.

However, the friendship element was tested by the naturally awkward byproduct of thrashing out contracts, with both men wanting what was best for their respective side.

“It always makes things more complicated when you negotiate with someone who is your ally,” Wolff told Formula.hu. “Someone whose goals are very close to yours.

“For example, Lewis and I, that was always a problem. We were best friends for two and a half years, we agreed 100 percent, we shared our private lives and everything.”

Wolff revealed that hiring an intermediary figure was ultimately a wise decision, to prevent any potential squabbling.

“Then came the two-month period of negotiations. We both hated it,” Wolff revealed. “Why? Because in that situation, you might not agree.

“Finally we changed and brought in someone who did this job, so the situation was resolved in a few days.

“That’s why it’s always going to be complicated with all the drivers. On the one hand, you want to maintain a good relationship.

“On the other hand, negotiations are sometimes tough, and it’s difficult when the other side is an emotional athlete, not someone who deals with this every day.”

Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton's working relationship ending upon the Brit's exit from Mercedes
Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton’s working relationship ending upon the Brit’s exit from Mercedes

Wolff looks out for Mercedes but insists he is ‘fair’

Former Mercedes driver-turned TV pundit Nico Rosberg recently described Wolff as “horrible to negotiate with,” claiming he would become difficult to get hold of at vital stages.

Wolff refuted these accusations from Rosberg, intimating that whilst he wants what’s best for the driver, his priorities are also with the organisation.

“No, I think I’m fair,” he said.

“I think we should always put ourselves in the other person’s shoes. So I give my soul to the other side and think, if I were them, what would I want to achieve?

“Then I ask myself, what is fair in this situation? What do I think would be the right thing to do? 

“I consider that and try to find the right balance, but obviously there are times when both parties want to optimize this and that, and that can make things complicated.”

READ MOREFerrari disputes Mercedes theory on Lewis Hamilton F1 woes

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Ex-F1 chief urges Ferrari to sign rookie as long-term successor to Lewis Hamilton https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/21/ex-f1-chief-urges-ferrari-to-sign-rookie-as-long-term-successor-to-lewis-hamilton/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/21/ex-f1-chief-urges-ferrari-to-sign-rookie-as-long-term-successor-to-lewis-hamilton/#respond Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:29:39 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220164 Gabriel Bortoleto is making his F1 debut with Sauber this season

Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has urged Ferrari to move quickly to secure the services of highly-rated Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, describing the young driver as “worth his weight in gold”.

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Gabriel Bortoleto is making his F1 debut with Sauber this season

Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has urged Ferrari to move quickly to secure the services of Gabriel Bortoleto, describing the young driver as “worth his weight in gold”.

Making waves in F1 with midfield outfit Sauber, the 20-year-old claimed his maiden points finish at the Austrian Grand Prix, crossing the line in eighth place ahead of veteran team-mate Nico Hulkenberg.

Despite retiring early at Silverstone, Bortoleto kept his momentum heading into races in Belgium and Hungary. He secured back-to-back top-10 finishes, quickly marking himself as one of the sport’s most promising young talents.

The reigning Formula 2 champion is one of seven rookies to have made their F1 debut this season, impressing with his pace, consistency, and composure against more experienced competitors.

So strong has his start been that Ferrari has been urged to act swiftly to secure his signature from the Swiss outfit.

Ecclestone, who owns a farm in Bortoleto’s native Brazil, played a role in helping the family navigate the youngster’s entry into F1. He praised Bortoleto’s recent performances at the Hungaroring before the summer break.

“I’m glad we were able to help the Bortoleto family with their entry into Formula 1,” he said, according to Swiss-German outlet Blick. “The boy is worth his weight in gold!”

“Bortoleto’s strong performances in a midfield team like Sauber should really wake Ferrari up now. The next driver question for the Italians needs to be resolved with the Brazilian.”

Bernie Ecclestone pushes Ferrari to consider Gabriel Bortoleto as Lewis Hamilton’s potential successor
Bernie Ecclestone pushes Ferrari to consider Gabriel Bortoleto as Lewis Hamilton’s potential successor

Ecclestone on the rising talents ready to take Hamilton’s seat at Ferrari

The British business magnate’s praise of Bortoleto came amid broader comments on the F1 grid. He is criticising Lewis Hamilton and suggested that the Scuderia should be keeping an eye on other emerging talents.

“If I could steal him, I’d take Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls,” he told MailOnline. “He has done super well in his first year and is a great guy.

“I also rate our friend from Brazil [Bortoleto]. He is talented. Both of them are sensible, too.”

Ecclestone suggested that Hamilton, a seven-time F1 World Champion, might be due for a break from the sport.

“But like a lot of leading sports personalities when they reach the top, there is only one way to go, and it’s not a good direction,” he added. “It’s only down.

“They get tired. Lewis is tired. He’s been doing what he is doing forever. He needs a rest from it for good, a total reset to do something completely different.

“‘He may not think it but he will soon get used to doing other stuff away from motor racing in retirement. I think he should have done it a while ago.

“‘The guy is not a cheat. But he would be cheating himself if he goes on. He should stop now.”

READ MORE – Ex-F1 supremo urges Ferrari to sign Red Bull-backed driver to replace Lewis Hamilton

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Ferrari disputes Mercedes theory on Lewis Hamilton F1 woes https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/21/ferrari-disputes-mercedes-theory-about-continued-lewis-hamilton-f1-travails/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/21/ferrari-disputes-mercedes-theory-about-continued-lewis-hamilton-f1-travails/#comments Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220148 Lewis Hamilton hasn't had a seamless debut season with Ferrari

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has repudiated Toto Wolff's suggestion that Lewis Hamilton's struggles are linked to his driving style not suiting the current F1 cars.

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Lewis Hamilton hasn't had a seamless debut season with Ferrari

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has repudiated Toto Wolff’s suggestion that Lewis Hamilton‘s struggles are linked to his driving style not suiting the current Formula 1 cars.

Hamilton has been unable to replicate the success he sustained with the previous generation cars, managing two victories since F1 reverted to ground effect in 2022.

But while that can be attributed to Mercedes enduring a downturn since the change, Hamilton’s level has also dipped when compared against his team-mate’s results.

The Briton’s woes have been most pronounced in qualifying, an area where he used to be renowned as a specialist with an unequalled 104 pole positions to his name.

Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin addressed that during 2024, a season in which George Russell out-qualified Hamilton 19 times in 24 rounds.

“Lewis hasn’t disguised the fact that Saturdays were his tough day,” Shovlin said last summer.

“He’s struggled with this whole generation of car, really, not suiting his style. He’s been working on how he drives.

“It’s particularly [that] he struggled on the single lap. So his long run pace is always there and that’s been really useful.

“It’s more just the way that he wants to attack a corner, when you do that, then the car would snap to oversteer. You start to build tyre temperature.”

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he will soon urge Ferrari to abandon 2025
Lewis Hamilton has struggled with the ground effect cars

Ferrari and Mercedes disagree on Hamilton decline

Hamilton’s move to a new environment has not provided an instant upturn as he has experienced various morale-denting setbacks since making the switch to Ferrari.

The seven-time champion claimed that he is “useless” as he succumbed to a Q2 exit at the Hungarian Grand Prix, while team-mate Charles Leclerc took pole position.

However, Mercedes Team Principal Wolff has tipped Hamilton, 40, to be reinvigorated at Ferrari next season when sweeping new technical regulations are introduced.

“Lewis has unfinished business in Formula 1,” Wolff told media including Motorsport Week.

“In the same way that Mercedes underperformed over this latest set of regulations since 2022, he kind of never got happy with ground effect cars, in the same way, it beats him. Maybe it’s linked to driving style.

“So, he shouldn’t go anywhere. Next year, brand new cars, completely different to drive, new power units that need an intelligent way of managing the energy.

“So, that’s absolutely on for Lewis, and I hope he stays on for many more years, and certainly next year is going to be an important one.”

Vasseur, though, does not subscribe to the notion that Hamilton’s aggressive late-braking approach isn’t compatible with the contemporary ground effect challengers.

Asked whether this ruleset has been Hamilton’s ‘war’, Vasseur told Auto Motor und Sport: “I don’t think so.

“If we had had bouncing, maybe. But even though we are always on the verge of bouncing, we now have it under control to some extent.”

READ MORE – Ferrari admits Lewis Hamilton can ‘make things worse’ when he ‘exaggerates problems’

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George Russell reveals psychological help upon becoming F1 team-mate to Lewis Hamilton https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/21/george-russell-reveals-psychological-help-upon-becoming-f1-team-mate-to-lewis-hamilton/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/21/george-russell-reveals-psychological-help-upon-becoming-f1-team-mate-to-lewis-hamilton/#respond Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:06:04 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220131 George Russell has revealed the lengths he went to ensure he could defeat Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

George Russell has revealed he sought psychological help prior to becoming team-mates with Lewis Hamilton at F1 giants Mercedes.

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George Russell has revealed the lengths he went to ensure he could defeat Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

George Russell has revealed he sought psychological help prior to becoming team-mates with Lewis Hamilton at Formula 1 giants Mercedes.

The Brit is now the undoubted team leader of the German marque after Hamilton departed to join Ferrari at the start of this year.

Now a multiple Grand Prix-winner, Russell is nine years senior to his new team-mate, Italian rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The King’s Lynn man is regarded as one of F1’s top drivers, emphasised by a string of impressive performances this year, including victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in June.

But when joining the Brackley-based squad from Williams, Russell would be condemned to face one of the toughest team-mates imaginable in Hamilton.

Speaking on the Untapped podcast, Russell revealed he had spoken to a psychological expert prior to his high-profile move, and they helped him reach the conclusion that success was always in his hands.

Whilst no longer team-mates, George Russell has maintained a good relationship with Lewis Hamilton
Whilst no longer team-mates, George Russell has maintained a good relationship with Lewis Hamilton

“So I was thinking about how I’m going to deal with this psychologically,” he said.

“Until one day, I had a really good conversation with my psychologist about it, about how I should deal with the pressure of being his team-mate.

“And I concluded that when I walk into the garage, I’m jumping into my race car, I’m putting my helmet on, I’ve put my visor down, it should not matter if my teammate in the garage next door is a seven-time World Champion, a rookie, or if there’s nobody there, because I’m in control of my own destiny.

“That’s the approach I have – it’s on me to perform.”

Russell has followed fellow Brit Lando Norris, who has been open and public about his own psychological frailties after his tougher moments during this year’s championship.

Alas, in the three years they were team-mates, Russell was able to finish above Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship twice, a feat never achieved for a team-mate of Hamilton’s before, perhaps proving his course of action was indeed the correct one.

READ MOREWhy George Russell feels Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton needed ‘fresh start’ for F1 2025

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Ferrari concedes Lewis Hamilton’s China disqualification triggered F1 regression https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/20/ferrari-concedes-lewis-hamiltons-china-disqualification-triggered-f1-regression/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/20/ferrari-concedes-lewis-hamiltons-china-disqualification-triggered-f1-regression/#respond Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:54:18 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220059 Lewis Hamilton's disqualification in China set the tone for a tough season for Ferrari

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has conceded that Lewis Hamilton's F1 Chinese GP disqualification triggered its early-season troubles, admitting: "We lost our way".

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Lewis Hamilton's disqualification in China set the tone for a tough season for Ferrari

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has conceded that Lewis Hamilton‘s Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix disqualification triggered its early-season troubles, admitting: “We lost our way”.

The Scuderia went into this year’s campaign confident it had, at least, the second-fastest package after McLaren, and was in a position to challenge for results.

But despite currently lying in second place in the Constructors’ Championship, it has not been a reflection of some of the issues the team has had to contend with.

Neither Charles Leclerc nor Lewis Hamilton have been able to score a single Grand Prix victory, the latter yet to even make the podium.

The crux of its issues largely came down to the floor and rear suspension of its SF-25 challenger.

A lack of rigidity in the suspension worked in tandem with the floor to cause a myriad of performance issues, which came to a head as early as the second round in Shanghai.

After Hamilton took victory in the Sprint in Shanghai, the Brit was then sensationally disqualified a day later after the Grand Prix for excessive plank wear.

The low ride height on which the car was run worked fine in the Sprint, but the full Grand Prix distance proved to be too far for the underside of the car.

This led to consistent higher ride heights at subsequent races, rendering an enforced lack of competitiveness for both Leclerc and Hamilton.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Vasseur was asked where Ferrari has lacked compared to the all-conquering McLaren and its demonstrably dominant MCL39.

“McLaren is outstanding at tyre management, especially in wet or hot conditions,” the Frenchman replied.

“The disqualifications threw us off track a bit. We had to leave ourselves a safety margin in terms of ground clearance.

“As we all know, these cars are extremely sensitive when it comes to ground clearance. Every millimetre is a position on the starting grid.

“If you don’t have full control over the vehicle height, it affects the car’s competitiveness.

“To solve the problem, you lose focus on other things. Preparing the tyres for qualifying, the warm-up laps, you name it.”

Ferrari is still behind McLaren, but Charles Leclerc's pole position in Hungary has seen steady improvement from the team
Ferrari is still behind McLaren, but Charles Leclerc’s pole position in Hungary has confirmed some steady improvement from the team

Vasseur concedes Ferrari has had ‘quality issues’

Prior to the shift in focus towards the 2026 cars, and the all-new rules and regulations that go with them, Ferrari was able to produce upgrades for its floor and rear suspension.

In doing so, the team has, whilst unable to find enough to match McLaren’s pace, seen an upturn in performance.

Progress even led to Leclerc bagging a stunning pole position, his and the team’s first of the season, at the last round in Hungary.

“Over the last three or four weekends, we have been able to close the gap to two tenths,” Vasseur explained.

“We had a lot of problems with the handling at the race track at the beginning of the season. There were quality issues, then the disqualifications.

“We lost our way a bit there.

“So much depends on the details and qualifying in Budapest was a good example. If you focus on the wrong things, you immediately lose a lot of ground.

“If Charles had been two tenths slower, he would have been sixth instead of first.

“It’s very difficult to know what’s important at any given moment in order to be fast.”

READ MOREFerrari admits Lewis Hamilton can ‘make things worse’ when he ‘exaggerates problems’

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Ferrari admits Lewis Hamilton can ‘make things worse’ when he ‘exaggerates problems’ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/19/ferrari-admits-lewis-hamilton-can-make-things-worse-when-he-exaggerates-problems/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/19/ferrari-admits-lewis-hamilton-can-make-things-worse-when-he-exaggerates-problems/#respond Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:45:25 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220012 Lewis Hamilton has encountered several setbacks with Ferrari

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has conceded that Lewis Hamilton can "make things worse" when he "sometimes exaggerates problems he sees" with his car in F1.

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Lewis Hamilton has encountered several setbacks with Ferrari

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has conceded that Lewis Hamilton can “make things worse” when he “sometimes exaggerates problems he sees” with his car in Formula 1.

Vasseur has recognised both parties “underestimated” the challenge awaiting Hamilton when he made the much-anticipated switch during the winter from Mercedes.

The Frenchman’s revelation comes as Hamilton has endured an onerous debut season with the Italian marque, one that is threatening to end without a single podium.

Hamilton experienced another setback prior to the summer break as he started outside the top 10 in Hungary, while team-mate Charles Leclerc secured pole position.

That prompted a downcast Hamilton to express that he is now “useless” and even to suggest that Ferrari should contemplate having another driver alongside Leclerc.

The Briton’s mood improved little as he did not progress in the race, leading him to disclose that things are happening behind the scenes at Ferrari “that are not great”.

Vasseur, whose relationship with Hamilton pre-dates F1, stressed that it’s important to exude calmness when the seven-time F1 champion has an emotional outburst.

Asked what he can do to ease Hamilton’s transitional phase at Ferrari, Vasseur told Auto Motor und Sport: “Stay calm.

“Build on the fact that he has already taken the first step. Don’t let things like what happened in Budapest get you down.

“Lewis is very self-critical. He is always extreme in his reactions. Sometimes he is too hard on the car, sometimes on himself.

“He wants to get the most out of himself and everyone in the team.

“You have to calm him down and explain to him that in Q2 [in Hungary] he was only a tenth behind the driver [Leclerc] who took pole position. That’s no big deal.

“The message he sends out only makes things worse.

“Most of the time, he’s only that extreme with the press. By the time he comes into the briefing room, he’s usually calmed down again. That’s just his way.

“For me, it’s no big deal. He demands a lot. From others, but also from himself. I can live with that.”

Ferrari underestimated how long it would take Lewis Hamilton to get up to speed
Ferrari underestimated how long it would take Lewis Hamilton to get up to speed

How Ferrari intends to address Hamilton struggles

Hamilton divulged that he has been sending documents to Ferrari as he endeavours to ensure that he avoids encountering the issues that have hindered him in 2025.

The ex-Mercedes driver has struggled to master the engine braking that Ferrari uses, while there have also been complications with Brembo’s revised brake materials.

Vasseur has insisted that there is not one overriding element that has impacted Hamilton, whom he has contended has a tendency to overstate any problem he feels.

“We solve the problems step by step,” he continued. “They’re not huge, they just look that way.

“If the braking system isn’t quite how the driver would like it, then maybe half a tenth is lost there.

“From the outside, it’s often difficult to quickly identify exactly where he’s losing that half-tenth.

“Such a minimal time difference can ruin your whole weekend. It can be the difference between Q2 and Q3.

“Lewis sometimes exaggerates the problems he sees in the car. The team then naturally wants to respond and everyone jumps on the problem.”

READ MORE – Ferrari makes concession over Lewis Hamilton F1 struggles

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Ferrari makes concession over Lewis Hamilton F1 struggles https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/18/ferrari-makes-concession-over-lewis-hamilton-f1-struggles/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/18/ferrari-makes-concession-over-lewis-hamilton-f1-struggles/#comments Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=219964 Ferrari underestimated how long it would take Lewis Hamilton to get up to speed

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur conceded that it "underestimated" the challenge Lewis Hamilton would face adapting to the team after his F1 move from Mercedes.

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Ferrari underestimated how long it would take Lewis Hamilton to get up to speed

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur conceded that it “underestimated” the challenge Lewis Hamilton would face adapting to the team after his Formula 1 move from Mercedes.

Hamilton has endured a turbulent debut campaign with Ferrari, one where his results on track haven’t aligned with the mass anticipation that accompanied his switch.

The Briton was victorious on his second weekend with the side in the China Sprint Race, but he has gone the entire season to date without a Grand Prix podium in red.

That has contributed to Hamilton dropping 42 points behind Charles Leclerc, who has outraced his more experienced team-mate on all but two occasions in 14 races.

Hamilton went into the summer break having qualified outside the top 10 in both Belgium and Hungary, prompting him to state that Ferrari should look to replace him.

But with Ferrari committed to making the partnership thrive, Vasseur has recognised that both parties undervalued the time it would take Hamilton to get up to speed.

“Lewis and I, we collectively, probably underestimated the change of environment, and the fact that he spent, for me, 20 years in the same team,” he told The Race.

“McLaren was Mercedes, and then he moved to Mercedes [in 2013]: an English team [based in Brackley], same engine guys, that same culture and so on.

“So he spent 2006 to 2024, 18 years, in this environment, and then he arrived at Ferrari. And we were stupidly expecting that he will have everything under control.”

Vasseur highlighted that Hamilton is not as accustomed to changing teams as his predecessor, Carlos Sainz, whose switch to Williams marked his fourth since 2015.

“He’s not the guy who changed team every two years,” he pinpointed.

“You have guys on the grid that, if you have a look on Carlos, for example, he did Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, us and Williams in eight years.

“He changed four times. He’s used to dealing with this. Lewis was not the case.”

Lewis Hamilton has been sending documents to Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation at Ferrari hasn’t been plain sailing

Why Ferrari is not worried about latest Hamilton downturn

Vasseur has stressed that he is not worried about Hamilton’s downturn, citing that slim margins derailed the progress he had been building prior to the double-header.

“Culturally speaking, there is a bigger difference between Ferrari and Mercedes than between Mercedes and McLaren. And this we underestimated,” he reiterated.

“It took Lewis four or five races to be a bit more in control. And I would say that from Canada, Spain, UK, Austria, he was there. He was.

“In Spa he had a tough weekend, but for different reasons with a difficult qualifying. But then in the race, he was very good. And [Hungary] I think it was more details.

“If you have a look at the [qualifying] classification, you see one is P1, the other is P12. But we were not far away from having Charles P11 and Lewis P12.”

Likewise, Vasseur had no problem with Hamilton’s critical remark during the Hungaroring weekend as he pinpointed that all elite-level drivers share the same mindset.

“He’s like this, and sometimes he was also like this at Mercedes,” Vasseur, who oversaw Hamilton’s title-winning GP2 season in 2005, added. “For me, it’s not a drama.

“I understand the approach of the guy. I understand the philosophy, and the fact that he’s very, very demanding with me, with the engineers, with the mechanics, but mainly with himself.

“And this, I think, everybody can perfectly accept this, as long as the driver is also demanding with himself.

“The example of Nico Hulkenberg is also a very good one. He was mega, mega demanding with all the team in F3. But he was the first one to go jogging at 6.30am in the morning.

“For the mechanics, it was OK. As long as the guy is pushing on himself, they were keen to have someone demanding of them.”

READ MORE – Fred Vasseur hits back at question over Ferrari investment in Lewis Hamilton

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Why George Russell feels Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton needed ‘fresh start’ for F1 2025 https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/16/why-george-russell-feels-mercedes-and-lewis-hamilton-needed-fresh-start-for-f1-2025/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/16/why-george-russell-feels-mercedes-and-lewis-hamilton-needed-fresh-start-for-f1-2025/#respond Sat, 16 Aug 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=219780 George Russell spent three seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes

George Russell believes Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes after 12 years together in F1 was needed for both parties to have a “fresh start”.

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George Russell spent three seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes

George Russell believes Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes after 12 years together in Formula 1 was needed for both parties to have a “fresh start”.

The 2025 season began with optimism for Mercedes, highlighted by multiple podium finishes and capped by Russell’s victory in Canada.

His rookie team-mate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, also claimed his maiden podium at the same race, adding to the team’s early momentum.

Since Montreal, however, Mercedes has faced challenges following an ill-fated rear suspension upgrade introduced at Imola.

The modification led to unpredictable handling, prompting the team to revert to a previous setup ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The decision proved effective, with Russell securing a podium whilst Antonelli recovered from a poor qualifying to finish in the points, signalling a positive shift in form.

Conversely, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has proved far from straightforward.

Despite early optimism, including a Sprint Race win in China, he has struggled to adapt to the SF-25 and consistently lagged behind team-mate Charles Leclerc.

In Budapest, the seven-time World Champion faced another challenging weekend, prompting self-critical remarks and fresh questions about his F1 future.

Yet Russell remains adamant that the change was needed and ultimately beneficial for both Hamilton and Mercedes.

“It’s a different feeling within the team,” he told Autosport. “But ultimately, you only look towards one thing, which is the performance.

“We obviously started really well. Now we’ve had a run of bad form. I hope we can get that back on track, but there’s always pros and cons to every change that you make in any organisation.

“But I think the change was with Lewis. It’s good for him. It’s really good for us as a team; a fresh start. Sometimes you need to break that mould to find yourself back on track.”

George Russell returned to the podium in Budapest
George Russell returned to the podium in Budapest

Russell on Antonelli’s progress and Mercedes’ focus on 2026

While Hamilton has faced difficulties settling in at Ferrari, Russell has been closely observing the progress of his new Mercedes partner, Antonelli.

Despite mixed results in qualifying and races, Russell insists that the Italian’s pace relative to him has remained consistent.

“The fact is, his pace delta to me is no different – I think that’s what people don’t see,” he added.

“In Canada, I was on pole and he qualified fourth, but he was six tenths behind me. In Belgium, he was out in Q1, and I made it to Q3, but he was only three tenths off.

“People look at the underlying result, but the truth is he’s still making progress, even though we as a team have gone backwards.

“But suddenly you’re now in the fight where a tenth can be six or seven grid spots, whereas before, for the positions we were fighting for, a tenth is plus or minus one position.

“Kimi and I had just taken an equal step backwards over those last few races.”

Russell also stressed that Mercedes’ recent dip in performance should not be seen as a long-term issue.

Most of the team at Brackley has already moved on to development for the 2026 car, meaning the setback has minimal impact on next year’s project.

“It’s obviously a totally different concept going into next year, but you still need people feeling creative, feeling confident with themselves, and the simulations and tools working properly,” he explained.

“Ultimately, this is a sport based upon decisions and upon people, because the people are who create the simulations and everything, and we need them in the best place possible.

“Of course, this recent lack of performance is not ideal, but actually, the truth is 95 percent of the workforce is already on 2026. So, that group of people is not in the sort of emotional cycle that you would ordinarily be in.”

READ MORE – How George Russell vindicated Mercedes’ faith versus Lewis Hamilton

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The rumoured details behind Lewis Hamilton’s F1 documents to Ferrari https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/16/the-rumoured-details-behind-lewis-hamiltons-f1-documents-to-ferrari/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/16/the-rumoured-details-behind-lewis-hamiltons-f1-documents-to-ferrari/#respond Sat, 16 Aug 2025 08:10:25 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=219726 Lewis Hamilton has been sending documents to Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has reportedly submitted detailed feedback to Ferrari, highlighting areas of the SF-25 that require attention and offering suggestions for next year’s F1 car.

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Lewis Hamilton has been sending documents to Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has reportedly submitted detailed feedback to Ferrari, highlighting areas of the SF-25 that require attention and offering suggestions for next year’s Formula 1 car.

In a turbulent season for the seven-time World Champion, Hamilton revealed ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix that he has been submitting detailed documents to Ferrari.

His weekend in Hungary, following a frustrating showing at Spa-Francorchamps, was another low point, with qualifying struggles on full display.

Hamilton is determined to address his struggles and avoid following in the footsteps of Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, who were unable to deliver a title with the Scuderia.

That drive led to his requests during the Belgian Grand Prix, which he later clarified were merely suggestions.

The full details behind his feedback have now been revealed in a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

A key focus mentioned was the engine braking, which operates differently from what Hamilton experienced at Mercedes.

Despite modifications, the characteristics of the power unit make it difficult for him to achieve the braking ‘feel’ he wants, a problem that also impacts corner entry and overall car balance.

Hamilton has requested information on the 2026 power unit to help address this issue in future development and ‘eliminate’ the problem for next season.

The 40-year-old has, however, already made no secret of his dissatisfaction getting used to the new engine braking characteristics, going as far as to label the SF-25 as “alien”.

Lewis Hamilton qualified 18th for the Sprint Race at Spa Francorchamps
Lewis Hamilton is working to have the 2026 Ferrari suited more to his liking

Hamilton’s struggles with SF-25 handling and set-up differences

According to the report, Hamilton’s feedback also highlighted issues with the SF-25’s handling.

The new front suspension gave the car more precision when entering corners, but made it harder to drive in tighter, more technical sections.

To compensate, his car was apparently adjusted with an extra load at the front, which helped grip but made the steering very sensitive.

He is said to have tried to test different set-ups on the simulator to ‘overcome the problem’, but as Ferrari only uses a limited number of base configurations, he failed to do so.

To work around this, Hamilton often adopted ‘mixed’ set-ups, combining elements from different settings – such as suspension, bars, and wings – which didn’t always create the ideal balance.

Rear-end stability was another concern mentioned by the Italian publication. Hamilton wanted the back of the car to feel as balanced as the front, a preference that sometimes clashed with team-mate Charles Leclerc’s more ‘consistent’ approach.

Whilst Ferrari assumed that, because both drivers focus on front-end performance, their set-up preferences would be similar, that proved not to be the case. This has made it more difficult for the team to interpret data and reach compromises.

These challenges also raise questions about Ferrari’s 2026 car, still in development, and whether it will be able to accommodate both drivers under the new regulations.

READ MORE – Lewis Hamilton delivers positive verdict on ‘fascinating’ 2026 F1 regulation changes

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