Lewis Hamilton has revealed he would put a bigger emphasis on winning with Ferrari than a record eighth Formula 1 title should that materialise in his spell with the team.
Hamilton has admitted to being revitalised as he embarks upon an exciting new venture with Ferrari, which he hopes will culminate in him accomplishing more success.
The Briton achieving that landmark in 2025 would also see him be the one to bring an end to the Italian marque’s extensive barren period without a championship since 2008.
That coincided with Hamilton’s maiden title with McLaren, with a move to Mercedes delivering six more as his two ex-teams, plus Red Bull, have all shared the honours.
However, Hamilton, highlighting his vast experience within championship-winning organisations, has insisted that Ferrari has “all the ingredients” required to prevail in F1.
But while regaining the ultimate prize would see him also stand unrivalled, Hamilton has claimed that he would count success with Ferrari as a more valuable accomplishment.
Asked how he viewed the pursuit to win an eighth title in his mind, Hamilton told media including Motorsport Week: “To me, it’s the first.
“Winning the championship for Ferrari is the first. That’s what I’m working towards.
“I don’t think about the number eight. I’m thinking about the first championship that the teams won for some time. But they’ve already had many, many World Championships over the history.
“So, for me, it’s looking for that first one with the team. And how can I contribute to that? How can I help them achieve that?”
Hamilton not considering F1 retirement
Hamilton came super close to securing that aforementioned coveted eighth title in 2021 until a contentious late restart allowed Max Verstappen to pass him to steal the crown.
The then-Mercedes driver went on the down low during the subsequent winter period, prompting theories to emerge that he would have retired had he triumphed in Abu Dhabi.
However, Hamilton, who is on a multi-term deal with Ferrari, has appeared to dismiss that as he outlined that even a title in red in 2025 wouldn’t lead him to leave the sport.
“If I was fortunate enough to win another title, which is obviously what we’re setting out to do, I don’t see myself stopping,” he added.
Hamilton not treating Ferrari success as a given
But while he is optimistic Ferrari can provide him with the tools to be in contention at the sharp end, Hamilton isn’t underestimating the challenge ahead to achieve his dream.
Pressed on whether this move has given him more hope than ever that he can become World Champion again, Hamilton said: “Yes, but I’m also aware [that] there a lot of drivers that never ever get to win a World Championship, first and foremost.
“I’ve been fortunate to work in two teams previously, work with great organisations.
“You’ve seen in the history of the sport, where you’ve got great teams and things don’t align and they end up, some of them not winning World Championships.”
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