Lewis Hamilton has had a difficult start to his Ferrari career after deciding to leave Mercedes last season. The seven-time world champion has tasted success in red after winning the sprint race in China. The Brit is yet to stand on the podium in any Grand Prix, and Ferrari looked off the pace during the race in Canada.
Hamilton has suggested the SF-25 requires major upgrades to make the Scuderia competitive and a challenge for wins. However, he notes that it is not only the car that needs changing, but also the “system“.
Lewis Hamilton questions Ferrari’s system
After another disappointing weekend in Canada, Lewis Hamilton sits sixth in the championship. He is 25 points behind his teammate Charles Leclerc and has a season high of fourth position. Hamilton was quick to point out that the SF-25 isn’t quick enough, but also that Ferrari as a team needs to improve.
Speaking to Sky Italia, Hamilton said: “The mindset for me, I’m like ‘there’s a lot of changes that need to be made in the system’. I wish I could tell you what’s happening. There’s a lot going on in the background.”
“Yeah, I can’t say too much about it. There’s so many things I wish I could tell you that could explain the things that have happened this year, the problems we had, and what’s going on within the organisation.”
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“But my goal is to try and positively influence, try and get change so we can have long-term success. There’s a lot of changes that we need. For me it’s that foundation building. We’re not fighting for a championship.”
Hamilton left Mercedes after twelve seasons and would therefore be familiar with how the German team operates behind the scenes. The Silver Arrows experienced a successful period of domination while Hamilton was part of a team with a winning mentality. Ferrari hasn’t won a championship since 2007 and isn’t used to winning.
This was evident when they battled Mercedes in 2017 and 2018, losing out as Mercedes had the right mentality to come back fighting and win. For Ferrari to challenge for titles, they need to change their mindset to take them to the top.
Lewis Hamilton back Fred Vasseur
Despite the disappointing season so far, Lewis Hamilton is backing the team principal, Fred Vasseur. Before the Canadian GP, there were rumours that Vasseur’s job was under threat due to Ferrari’s poor opening ten races. But Hamilton believes the Frenchman is the right man for the job.
Speaking after the race in Canada, Hamilton concluded: “I love working with Fred. Fred’s the main reason I’m in this team and got the opportunity to be here, which I’m forever grateful for. And we’re in this together. We’re working hard in the background.
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“Things aren’t perfect, but for me, as I said, I’m here to work with the team, but also with Fred. I want Fred here. I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top.”
Vasseur was able to put Ferrari back on the right track last season. In 2024, the Scuderia experienced a mid-season slump, during which the car lacked pace. However, he was able to make Ferrari strong again as the team racked up the results to challenge McLaren. Ultimately, the slump cost the team the championship, but signs of revival were there. If he can change the season around again, Ferrari could have a strong season once more.
