Lewis Hamilton is adamant that he is trying to “enjoy every moment” of his Formula 1 career with Ferrari despite a “volatile” start.
Hamilton’s announcement at the start of 2024 that he will be driving for the Italian marque from this season onwards had sent shockwaves throughout the paddock.
Expectations were high for the seven-time World Champion, especially in the context of his struggles with Mercedes in the ground effects era and Ferrari’s own 16-year-long title drought.
And while the 40-year-old has had highlights to write home about in his debut season for the Maranello-based squad, the Briton has failed to live up to the hype his move had generated.
16 rounds into the 2025 season, Hamilton sits 46 points adrift of team-mate Charles Leclerc in the Drivers’ standings and has openly admitted to feeling “useless” in the SF-25.
Looking back at the first half of the season, the former Mercedes driver conceded that he had not expected things to be as difficult as they have turned out to be for him in Italy.
“Yeah. It’s been an emotional roller coaster,” he told media including Motorsport Week during the Italian Grand Prix weekend.
“Did I expect it to be as volatile in terms of feeling? No. But that’s life.”
Hamilton started the race at Monza from 10th on the grid after incurring a five-place grid drop at Zandvoort for a reconnaissance lap violation, where he crashed out.
“Even though we had a difficult Sunday [at Zandvoort], we’re coming out on the brighter end of the tunnel,” he continued.
“I read something recently saying there’s no point stressing about tomorrow because it often puts shade on the present. So I’m really trying not to worry about tomorrow.
“I’m trying to be present and enjoy every moment because this half of the season has gone by really quick.
“It’s my first half a season with this team, and there’s obviously a long way to go. I don’t want to miss any of these special moments.”
Hamilton sets target with Ferrari for remainder of 2025 season
Hamilton’s illustrious career in the sport has been littered with periods of struggle.
That said, the seven-time World Champion looks at this prolonged state of impasse to get to grips with Ferrari as a character-building experience.
“I’m sure there have been plenty of seasons that have felt difficult. I remember 2009 was difficult. I remember 2010, 2011 wasn’t great. 2012 was a pivotal moment for me,” he recollected.
“Obviously 2022, 2023. So there’s been plenty of others that were just different. I was in a different place in my life.”
At Ferrari, despite failing to completely assimilate himself with the squad, Hamilton is adamant that he is living his dream.
“This one, really living the dream, moving to race with Ferrari,” asserted the 40-year-old.
And hence, he is willing to accept the shortfalls and come back stronger with the team in the remaining eight races of the season.
“Of course, I had the whole of last year to think about it and try to prepare, but there are still things you couldn’t foresee,” he conceded.
“There’s been a lot of adjustment both from my side and the team’s side. They’ve really moved heaven and earth to accommodate me.
“Obviously, there are cultural differences. Fred made a comment that perhaps they underestimated me joining the team and the year we’ve been faced with in terms of the problems with the car.
“So yeah, a combination of all those things. But honestly, the harder it is, the better it can make you. This year has been tough for everyone in the team, but it prepares us for better days. We’ll be stronger having gone through this tough first six months.
“I’m really excited and motivated for a positive uphill battle from here, and I feel like I’ve got the best people around me to do that.”
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