Lewis Hamilton admits he must reinvent himself to succeed at Ferrari – Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited debut in Ferrari red was supposed to mark an exciting new chapter in his illustrious Formula One career. Instead, it has opened with a series of underwhelming results that have raised eyebrows throughout the paddock and among fans.

Now, just a few races into the 2025 season, the seven-time World Champion has come forward with a sobering admission: if he is to succeed at the Scuderia, he must dramatically change the very driving style that has defined his career.

 

 

A high-profile move with high expectations

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was officially announced in January 2024, sending shockwaves through the motorsport world. After more than a decade with Mercedes, a team he had helped to build into a dominant force, his decision to leave and join Ferrari was dubbed the “transfer of the century”. The move generated excitement not only because of Hamilton’s stature, but also because of Ferrari’s legendary status in F1. Fans and pundits alike envisioned a dream pairing – Hamilton’s talent paired with Ferrari’s pedigree and passion.

However, as the new season got underway, the reality proved far less glamorous than the pre-season hype. Apart from a remarkable performance in the sprint race in Shanghai, where Hamilton pulled off a surprise victory, his weekends have largely lacked the sparkle expected of a driver of his calibre. Sundays, where points and prestige are at stake, have been particularly challenging. Podium finishes have remained elusive and the once familiar sight of Hamilton celebrating at the front has been replaced by quieter, more reflective post-race interviews.

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Struggles within the scarlet ranks

Speaking to the media recently, Hamilton acknowledged the uphill battle he faces. “On the one hand, it’s normal. It’s the greatest team in the history of F1,” he said, reflecting on the unique atmosphere that comes with driving for Ferrari. “Of course there are more videos, more stories written about it and people have opinions. It hasn’t always been easy.”

For Hamilton, who is used to working in the highly structured and data-driven environment of Mercedes, Ferrari represents a very different kind of culture. The passion, emotion and intense public scrutiny that surrounds Maranello is both a strength and a challenge. While he knew this change would require adaptation, the scale of the adjustments has surprised even him.

“You can’t work with a team and change things overnight,” said Hamilton. “We’ve spent time getting to know each other. There are short-term changes that we’re going to make together to maintain all the greatness and continue to progress in the areas where we could be stronger.

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A deep dive into the driving style

But beyond the cultural and operational changes lies a more fundamental issue: Hamilton’s driving style. Known for his aggressive yet fluid approach, masterful tyre management and uncanny ability to extract performance from a car under pressure, Hamilton has relied on a driving philosophy honed over two decades. At Ferrari, however, that philosophy seems to be clashing with the characteristics of the SF-25 car.

“This time it needs a bigger change,” admitted Hamilton. “Every driver has his own driving style. Mine has worked for years and sometimes you have to adapt. But this time it’s not just a small change, it’s a big change.

The comment hints at a deeper struggle with the machinery at his disposal. While Ferrari have made strides in recent years to improve their car’s consistency and race pace, it’s no secret that their cars often behave differently to what Hamilton was used to at Mercedes. Where the Mercedes W-series cars emphasised rear stability and allowed for late braking and throttle confidence, Ferrari’s current package seems to demand a different rhythm and level of input.

Hamilton explained: “I’ve been trying to understand that in the last few races. I know it will be a challenge to do that everywhere. If I have to go for a tenth of a second, I try to imagine myself starting from the beginning. That’s what I have to be careful about.

In other words, instinct – a driver’s most powerful tool – has become a double-edged sword for Hamilton. His muscle memory, built up over thousands of laps in a Mercedes, could be betraying him in a Ferrari that requires a very different approach.

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Long-term vision amid short-term pain

Despite the rocky start, Hamilton remains optimistic about the future. His focus is on collaboration, growth and patience – virtues not always associated with the high-pressure world of Ferrari, where the expectations of fans and the Italian media can be ruthless.

“Some of the changes may be short-term and some may be longer-term,” he explains. “We want to harness the energy and passion that drives the team, but we also need to protect it because it’s in the spotlight more than any other team. Everyone in the team puts their heart and soul into it. We ride the rollercoaster together.

Yet Hamilton has never been one to shy away from reinvention. Throughout his career he has adapted to new regulations, evolved with technology and always pushed himself to stay ahead. His move to Ferrari was partly motivated by a desire for a new challenge – and now that challenge has arrived.

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The road ahead: Redemption or reckoning?

With a few races left in the season, the pressure is mounting – not only from outside voices, but probably from within Hamilton himself. He has always held himself to the highest standards and his admission that he needs to change is not a sign of defeat but of determination.

He has already begun working more closely with his engineers to interpret data through a new lens, and is rumoured to be spending extra time in the simulator trying to internalise the nuances of the SF-25’s behaviour. In addition, Team Principal Fred Vasseur remains an unwavering supporter, emphasising the long-term nature of the project and encouraging the team to remain united.

It is also worth noting that Ferrari’s form has been inconsistent with both cars. While team-mate Charles Leclerc has delivered stronger results, he has also suffered frustrating weekends. This suggests that the car’s performance window is narrow and that Hamilton’s struggles may not be unique to him.

The key difference is that Hamilton is still building relationships, still adapting to the team’s culture and still translating his racing skills into Ferrari’s language. It’s a process that could take months – but Hamilton, ever the professional, seems ready to go the distance.

“I have no doubt that we will achieve our goals,” he said. “It’s just going to take time.”

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The bottom line: An icon in transition

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was never going to be a plug-and-play transition. It was a high-risk, high-reward decision made late in his career – a gamble not just to chase an eighth title, but to write a new chapter in one of F1’s most storied partnerships.

The early pages of that chapter are proving far more complicated than many expected. But if Hamilton’s career has proved anything, it’s that he thrives in adversity. As he works to reinvent himself behind the wheel of a Ferrari, the world of motorsport watches with anticipation – not just to see if he can win again, but to witness one of the sport’s greatest figures adapt, evolve and fight for redemption in red.

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MORE F1 NEWS – Ferrari join the list of Verstappen’s future team offers

The speculation over Max Verstappen’s Formula One future took another turn in Jeddah. With Red Bull sitting third in the constructors’ title race and their RB21 at times just the fourth fastest of the front runners on the grid this year, speculation is growing that should the Milton Keynes based team fail to give the world champion a car to claim his fifth title this season, he will be off elsewhere in search of future glory.

Max is no stranger to these kinds of rumours, which heightened during last years drought of ten consecutive race wins. However, the latest round of speculation was fired up by Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko who said ahead of the Saudi Grand Prix: “Upgrades are needed for Max to win his fifth world title,” he told Formel1.de. “That is our big goal and the whole team is working hard on it.

“Of course every top driver has an exit clause if performance is not good. But they are all tuned differently”. When asked if the F1 summer break in August was the earliest point in time where Verstappen could enact any…READ MORE ON THIS STORY