Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Challenging Yet “Life-Changing” First Season with Ferrari
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Ahead of this weekend’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, Lewis Hamilton has publicly assessed his inaugural year with the Ferrari team, acknowledging a period of adaptation and growth as he transitions from a dominant 12-year run with Mercedes. The seven-time Formula 1 champion joined the Maranello outfit in 2025, seeking a new challenge after securing six of his seven World Championships with the Silver Arrows.
A Season of Adaptation and Team Building
Hamilton’s start with Ferrari showed immediate promise, securing a sprint race victory at the second round in China. Though, the transition to new machinery and a different team dynamic proved challenging. Throughout the 2025 season, his highest finish in a Grand Prix was fourth place, achieved in the Emilia Romagna, Austrian, British, and United States races.
the British driver shared his reflections on Instagram, posting alongside a team photo featuring team principal Fred Vasseur, teammate Charles Leclerc, and the entire Ferrari track team. “It’s surreal to be a part of this team, and through the ups and downs this year has been life-changing,” Hamilton wrote.”I’ll have more time after this weekend to really meditate on the season, but for now I want to thank everyone on this team for showing up every day and constantly striving for success. We will get there and we will do it together. Full focus on the last race,talk soon.”
Looking Ahead to 2026 and a New Era of Regulations
Hamilton emphasized the positive team spirit fostered under Vasseur’s leadership, expressing his eagerness to shift focus to the 2026 season beginning next week.”at Ferrari I’ve found the best team spirit of my driving career, and there is a great desire to make progress,” he stated.
He acknowledged the learning curve experienced throughout the year,adding,”This year,all of us working together,we’ve learned a lot,and we hope that this experience will prove valuable next season.” The team is now fully concentrating on preparations for 2026, anticipating what is described as “the biggest change to the regulations in the history of the category.”
During second practice in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton finished in 14th position, having ceded his FP1 slot to Arthur Leclerc, Charles Leclerc’s brother, to provide him with valuable track time.
Hamilton’s reflections underscore a commitment to long-term success with Ferrari,built on a foundation of teamwork and a shared ambition to compete at the highest level. The 2026 season represents a pivotal moment for
Why did Lewis Hamilton move to ferrari? Hamilton sought a new challenge after a highly prosperous 12-year run with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven World Championships.
Who are the key figures involved? Lewis Hamilton, Fred Vasseur (Ferrari team Principal), and Charles Leclerc are central to this story. Arthur Leclerc also played a role in Abu Dhabi practice.
What were the results of hamilton’s first season with Ferrari? While he achieved a sprint race victory in China, his highest Grand Prix finish was fourth place, occurring in multiple races. The season was largely about adaptation and team building.
**How did the
