Lewis Hamilton has explained that he opted to embark upon a new chapter in Formula 1 with Ferrari as he had become “complacent” and “comfortable” at Mercedes.
Having endured a challenging end to his long-standing partnership with Mercedes, Hamilton expressed that he was revitalised as he made his dream move to Ferrari.
The Briton’s results have not lived up to the delirium that accompanied the much-anticipated switch, though, as he is still waiting to secure his maiden Ferrari podium.
Hamilton, who trails 46 points behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, admitted that he isn’t expecting that to change in 2025 with a car that continues to be “alien” to him.
But despite boasting a record seven Drivers’ titles and 105 victories, Hamilton has repudiated the notion that his initial travails at Ferrari have been uncharted territory.
Asked whether there have been previous occasions where he has struggled to gel with a car, Hamilton replied to media including Motorsport Week: “Many.
“I never just got in and just won, there were always difficult times.
“I’m the type of person… I don’t like to get complacent and be comfortable, and that’s really kind of where I was with the long-term relationship I had before.
“And taking this step into a team that I truly believe in, and I still believe in the potential here and what we can achieve together, and I think everyone in the team does.
“But no one succeeds without going through those tough patches, so I do welcome it, looking forward to the sunnier days for sure.”
Will a regulation change return Hamilton to his best?
Hamilton’s struggles haven’t been exclusive to his current venture with Ferrari, though, as the same issues have hampered him since F1’s return to ground effect cars.
But with an imminent change to the regulations on the horizon in 2026, Hamilton hopes the next-generation machines are more compatible with his late-braking style.
“I know I’ve been driving this car all year long, but in my previous years, I was a part of a car that you’re evolving over time, and you were comfortable with it,” he said post-race at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. “You know the driving style, inside and out.
“I think this year, I’m arriving at the track and having to apply this new driving style that is still alien to me. It doesn’t feel natural to a car. That’s how it likes to work.
“So through the race, I’m just getting better and better and faster and faster, and I’m unlocking in that and gaining confidence bit by bit, but that’s not there early on in the weekend to really be able to really harness it.
“So hopefully next year it’s not a driving style that’s alien to me. Hopefully can go back a little bit towards what I was used to.”
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