Lewis Hamilton, amidst a rocky start with Ferrari, hints at a pivotal shift towards 2026.
- The quest for Ferrari’s 2025 title seems bleak as Hamilton sits P6, trailing well behind.
- McLaren’s dominance leaves Ferrari lagging by 197 points, adding pressure.
- Hamilton plans to urge Ferrari to prioritize next year’s car development soon.
- Despite hurdles, Hamilton remains focused on building a strong foundation for the future.
Lewis Hamilton’s entrance into Ferrari hasn’t been the triumphant story fans hoped for. With a challenging start, he’s aiming to redirect focus. The seven-time champion, currently in sixth place in the Drivers’ Championship, stands 23 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc and a significant 115 points away from McLaren’s leader, Oscar Piastri. This gap highlights the steep climb Ferrari faces in the current season.
As McLaren pulls ahead by 197 points in the Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari’s hopes seem to be dimming. Hamilton recognizes this challenge, noting the importance of planning ahead. He expressed intentions to soon discuss with Ferrari the need to channel their efforts towards the 2026 season. This foresight comes as active aerodynamics and new engine regulations are set to revolutionize the next generation of F1 cars.
Speaking at the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton shared, ‘If I’m honest, I don’t know what upgrades we have coming, but we haven’t had an upgrade for some time.’ He emphasized the strategy to build a strong foundation this year: ‘We’re building a foundation this year, learning about the tools, the structures, our processes, and just nailing those, so then when we arrive next year, we will be with the car that we really want.’
The upcoming 2026 season holds promise with sweeping regulation changes that make it an ‘open’ championship compared to the more ‘closed’ prospects of 2025. While Hamilton admits that the decision isn’t solely his, he sees 2026 as a fresh opportunity amidst Ferrari’s current struggles. As he gears up for the Canadian Grand Prix, a race he’s won multiple times, his focus remains clear on the horizon ahead.
Despite the challenging season, Hamilton isn’t ready to close the door on 2025 completely. He acknowledges that while winning this season might be more arduous, the keys to future success lie in today’s groundwork. His approach highlights the importance of long-term vision in his racing strategy, echoing his belief that significant changes lie ahead for both himself and Ferrari.
Through the trials of 2025, Hamilton’s sights are set firmly on a future where preparation today shapes triumph tomorrow.
