Lewis Hamilton goes into the summer break expecting “tears” after a less-than-ideal start to his Formula 1 career with Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton’s arrival at the Maranello-based squad, at the start of the season, was buoyed with anticipation of immense standing.
However, the opening 14 rounds of the season have not lived up to expectations. Despite winning the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race and taking a third-placed finish in the shortened race format in Miami, the seven-time World Champion is yet to score a top-three finish for the Italian marque in Grand Prix racing.
Last Saturday at the Hungaroring saw the Briton fail to make it into the top-10 shootout for the second race weekend running, while team-mate Charles Leclerc took pole position.
The 70-lap Grand Prix was a similarly disappointing affair, with the 40-year-old finishing outside the points in 12th place.
Reflecting on his time with Ferrari so far, Hamilton christened it the “most intense” period of his illustrious F1 career so far.
“This has definitely been… I mean, the last God knows how many seasons have been hard in their own way,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.
“This one’s definitely been the most intense one, I would say, just from a work perspective, integrating into a new culture, into a new team, it’s not gone smoothly in all areas, and it’s been a real battle.”
Hamilton was visibly downbeat after the Hungarian GP, even calling himself “useless”. But the summer break might give him some time to get in touch with his emotions.
“So, yeah, my spirit… I definitely need to get away and recharge, be around the kids, laugh, let go,” he continued.
“[I’m] sure there’ll be some tears at some point, and I think that’s really healthy.”
Hamilton expects to be reenergised
It has been no secret that the ground effect cars have been an Achilles heel for the 40-year-old.
However, he feels that his passion for the sport, combined with his eagerness to succeed with the iconic Italian team, will help him turn the tide on his current plight.
“I am excited, or I’m always excited, to race,” added the Briton.
“I love what I do. I love being red. I love working with this team, and I have such belief in this team.
“It’s really hard to explain, but I already had it a lot when I was in my previous team [Mercedes]. Like, over time, you really build that camaraderie – and I see the passion in this team.
Hamilton has been working hard to integrate with the team – something he has had to do with a non-British-based team for the first time in his career.
Despite this, he is brimming with optimism that he draws from the fact that, despite his struggles, he still relishes the fact that he is a Ferrari driver.
“Ah, man, I love it! It’s like, all I want to do is contribute the best I can,” he expressed.
“Of course, I need to do most of that, mostly on track, and I’m not always hitting that, but also in the background, I see there’s things that we can always improve, and there’s things that I can improve on.
“So, yeah, I’m just really excited for this break, I think for everybody, particularly the guys at the factory.
“I think they’ll definitely enjoy this time with their family, and then we’ll come back, extra energised for the second half.”
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