Hamilton wants to break the Ferrari curse: “I’m here to win”

Lewis Hamilton does not intend to follow the path of world champions who joined Ferrari without winning a title there. At 40, the Brit is fully investing in his new role within the Scuderia, with the aim of reversing a trend that eluded Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel before him.

On Thursday, during the Belgian Grand Prix press conference, Hamilton detailed his approach at Ferrari since his arrival. The seven-time world champion took advantage of the summer break to visit Maranello twice, spending a few days there each time. He organized meetings with the leaders and prepared documents on the necessary improvements.

Targeted feedback to develop the team

From the very first races, Hamilton shared his observations in the form of internal documents: « After the first races, I drafted a comprehensive document for the team. During the break, I sent two more, which I wanted to delve into further on site », he explains. These contributions focus on two areas: the internal organization of the team and the technical difficulties of the SF-25.

The English driver has had multiple meetings with President John Elkann, CEO Benedetto Vigna, and team director Fred Vasseur. He also spoke with Loïc Serra, head of car development, and the heads of various departments to address engine, front and rear suspension issues in view of 2026.

If he highlights the commitment and passion that drive the Italian team, the former Mercedes driver also points out structural limitations: “There is real potential here. The passion felt in this team is unique. But it’s a very large organization, and not all parts function optimally. In my opinion, this is what hinders the results,” he observes.

Learn from the past.

The former Mercedes driver says he is inspired by the trajectories of his predecessors to guide his approach: “In the past twenty years, Ferrari has had very high-level drivers: Kimi, Fernando, Sebastian — all titled elsewhere. None succeeded in winning here. I don’t want that to happen to me. That’s why I’m investing so much,” he states.

Since Kimi Räikkönen’s title in 2007, Ferrari has not won another drivers’ championship. Alonso (2010-2014) and Vettel (2015-2020), despite being crowned before joining the team, failed to change the situation. Hamilton wants to break this streak.

His experience at McLaren and then Mercedes gives him, according to him, a clear vision of what’s holding Ferrari back: « I’ve had the chance to work in two great teams. Each structure has its own culture, but if you always repeat the same patterns, you end up with the same results. So, I’m trying to reevaluate certain things. » He particularly wants to break away from certain habits to shake things up.

Anticipating the Challenges of 2026

Hamilton is already involved in the work on the 2026 car, the year when the technical regulations will evolve significantly: We did a first test with the 2026 car, and we have started working on it. Thirty engineers were present in the room for the debrief. It’s a significant effort, he reveals.

The Ferrari driver does not hide the sense of urgency that guides his involvement: “I’m here to win. I don’t have as much time as this one here,” he says, pointing to the young Kimi Antonelli sitting next to him. “So, this is the decisive moment. I truly believe in the potential of this team. I truly believe it can win multiple world championships in the future.”

At 40 years old, the seven-time world champion knows that time is of the essence. Aware that he doesn’t have many seasons left to aim for the title with Scuderia, he wants to take advantage of every opportunity from now on.

Ferrari responds favorably

The management of Ferrari seems receptive to the suggestions of their new driver: « They have been extremely responsive. We are making progress in many areas — marketing, sponsor services, the way engineers work. There is still a lot to do, but they are stepping up », he emphasizes.

Hamilton is particularly focused on a collective dynamic and aims to rally forces around a collective project: “Ultimately, I’m just trying to rally people to my vision and motivate them,” he confides. Thus, he plays an active internal role, seeking to galvanize teams around a shared goal of getting Ferrari back on a competitive track while also targeting his own results.

After a disappointing first half of the season without a podium in twelve races, Hamilton is counting on this internal transformation to avoid joining the list of champions frustrated by Ferrari. His approach and determination to succeed open a new phase in his quest for an eighth world title.