Lewis Hamilton says his recent comments suggesting he was “not looking forward to” next season were made in the heat of frustration after another disappointing weekend with Ferrari.
The seven-time world champion qualified last and finished 10th at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, extending a run of underwhelming performances that have defined his debut season with the Italian team.
Hamilton’s remarks, which came after several races in which he publicly questioned his form and enjoyment behind the wheel, sparked concern among fans. However, speaking ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, the 40-year-old insisted his words reflected emotion, not his genuine outlook.
“There’s a lot of frustration at the end of races when they haven’t gone well,” Hamilton said. “That’s just in the heat of frustration. I’m excited to see what the team build next year and continue to build on with them.”
The Briton joined Ferrari this season in pursuit of a record-breaking eighth world title, leaving Mercedes after more than a decade. But the move has yet to deliver the competitive leap both parties had hoped for, turning his much-anticipated switch into a season of adaptation rather than contention.
Asked whether he regretted the decision in light of the difficulties, Hamilton responded firmly: “I don’t regret the decision I made joining the team. I know it takes time to build and grow within an organisation, and I expected that.”
Ferrari entered the season optimistic they could close the gap to Red Bull, but inconsistency, operational mistakes and a car that has failed to match Hamilton’s driving style have hindered progress. For Hamilton, the current technical regulations have been a particular challenge.
The 2025 season will introduce new chassis and engine rules designed to create more efficient, hybrid-focused cars. Notably, the proportion of power generated by the hybrid system will significantly increase, a shift Hamilton believes may better align with his strengths.
Alongside the revised engine layout, F1 is returning to an aerodynamic concept closer to the one Hamilton mastered during his dominant years with Mercedes from 2014 to 2021.
This change, he hopes, could offer a pivotal reset for Ferrari after a troubled campaign. Still, the Briton is candid about how much work remains to be done. “Ferrari have a lot of work to do over the winter,” he admitted.
“We’ll analyse the season, and there are lots of improvements we need to make collectively. No one’s under any illusion—we all have to play our part.” Ferrari’s operational shortcomings have been evident across the season, from strategy lapses to inconsistent tyre management.
Hamilton has avoided direct criticism of the team but has made clear that structural improvements will be essential if they are to challenge at the front. “I believe we can implement and make those changes,” Hamilton said. “I’m hoping we have a better package next year.”
The pressure is not solely on the team. Hamilton himself has faced scrutiny for uncharacteristic errors and struggles adjusting to the SF-25’s handling limitations. His Las Vegas weekend, which he described as one of the most disappointing of his career, encapsulated the frustration shared across the Ferrari garage.
Despite this, Hamilton remains optimistic that the coming regulation changes represent an opportunity to reset not only for Ferrari but for the entire grid. With chassis freedom expanding and hybrid technology playing a bigger role, 2025 is widely viewed as a potential shake-up year.
Hamilton’s target remains unchanged: the elusive eighth world championship. And though the path has proven far tougher than expected, he maintains that his belief in Ferrari’s long-term project is unwavering.“It’s about patience and resilience,” he said. “We will get there—it’s just going to take time.”
As the season nears its conclusion, Hamilton’s focus is shifting toward the winter development push, a critical phase that could define whether his second year in red brings redemption or renewed frustration. For now, he says, the fire is still burning.