Lewis Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari has proven to be one of the most challenging of his career. Yet, which season posed more difficulties for the seven-time world champion: this year at Ferrari or his final years at Mercedes? The British driver gave a candid response.
As we all know, 2025 has been a true nightmare for Lewis Hamilton, who will likely finish his debut season at Ferrari without a single podium. Shortly before the start of the final race of the year, he was asked whether this year in red had been harder than his last seasons at Mercedes. His answer was thoughtful and logical.
Expectations vs reality at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was met with enormous expectations, including the potential to surpass Michael Schumacher with an eighth world title. However, this year has tempered those hopes. Ferrari, unfortunately, did not provide a car worthy of a seven-time world champion, and Lewis Hamilton faced numerous challenges adapting to an entirely new environment.
More difficulties in the final year at Ferrari or Mercedes?
“I wouldn’t compare them. I can’t compare them all. They’re all different in their own ways, and each year I found myself in a different moment of my life. You’re at a different stage in life, so I definitely wouldn’t compare any of them,” Lewis Hamilton explained in his final pre-weekend interview of the season.
The environments of the two teams are completely different, which contributed to the noticeable adaptation challenges following his decade-long experience at Brackley. Moreover, Lewis Hamilton is in a different phase of life now compared to past years. His answer, therefore, is entirely reasonable, and he also highlighted some positive aspects that emerged during this challenging season.
Resilience in a tough year
“Yes, it’s been difficult. I mean, yes, confidence goes up and down. It’s challenging, but I continue to have full faith in my abilities, and that is the most important thing. Maintaining that faith isn’t always easy, but it’s what’s brought me to where I am. The most important lesson I’ve learned about myself is that I am resilient. I said it in the last race: I was surprised at how resilient I am. If I can get through a season like this, then there’s nothing I can’t face moving forward.”
Now, all that remains is to look forward to the start of the next season, hoping that Lewis Hamilton will finally have a car capable of letting him perform at his absolute best once again.
One more race weekend to endure, then the real work begins over the winter. If this brutally tough year has taught Lewis anything, it is that he still has everything it takes – and Ferrari now has a driver who refuses to accept second best in 2026.
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