Mika Hakkinen reveals the crucial factor Lewis Hamilton must focus on to help Ferrari succeed. Lewis Hamilton urges Ferrari to implement key changes.

Lewis Hamilton urges Ferrari to implement changes as he navigates challenging first season in red

Lewis Hamilton has once again called for significant improvements at Ferrari, aiming to transform what has been a highly challenging first season in Maranello into a competitive campaign. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion joined the Scuderia ahead of the 2025 season with high expectations, noting early on that the team possessed “all the ingredients” necessary to fight for the championship. However, the reality of the season has been stark: Charles Leclerc currently sits fifth in the 2025 F1 drivers’ standings with 173 points, while the Briton is sixth with 125 points heading into the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

Ferrari’s struggles have been compounded by McLaren securing the 2025 constructors’ championship early, amassing 650 points, while the Italian team remains third in the standings with just 298 points after 18 rounds. The Scuderia’s lack of podium finishes and competitive consistency has put pressure on the team to listen more attentively to their drivers’ feedback. Hamilton has reportedly highlighted that Ferrari relies too heavily on raw data analysis rather than integrating the real-world feedback provided by him and Charles Leclerc, urging the team to make targeted technical adjustments to the SF-25 ahead of Austin.

Mika Hakkinen emphasizes patience as key for Hamilton at Ferrari

Formula 1 legend Mika Hakkinen has weighed in on Hamilton’s ongoing challenges, advising that patience is critical for the Briton to achieve long-term success with Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton has submitted detailed documents to the team outlining specific changes he believes are necessary to optimize the car for his driving style and to extract maximum performance. The Finn notes that adjusting to a new team and car typically requires a multi-year process, and the full adaptation may take four to five seasons before a driver can consistently win races again.

The Finnish two-time world champion explained that while Lewis Hamilton is an extraordinary driver who has handled immense pressure throughout his career, immediate results at Ferrari are unlikely. The former F1 driver emphasized that success with a new team is a gradual process: it requires both the driver and the engineers to develop a car tailored to the driver’s unique approach. For Lewis Hamilton, that could mean committing to a long-term project in Maranello, potentially spanning multiple seasons before he can regain the podium consistency he enjoyed at Mercedes.

Hamilton’s future with Ferrari could be decided in the first half of 2026

Despite Mika Hakkinen’s advice, Hamilton may not have the luxury of waiting several years. Reports suggest that the 40-year-old is already evaluating his future with Ferrari, with a decision expected by June 2026, potentially coinciding with the Monaco Grand Prix. The Briton’s current contract runs through 2026, with an option to extend into 2027, and his decision will likely be influenced by how effectively Ferrari responds to his technical feedback and prepares the car for the 2026 F1 regulations.

If Ferrari cannot implement the adjustments Lewis Hamilton has requested or demonstrate clear progress with the SF-26, it may prompt him to reconsider his long-term future with the team. The 105-time Grand Prix winner is expected to weigh the team’s performance trajectory carefully, seeking reassurance that the Scuderia is capable of providing a car capable of challenging for race wins and ultimately contending for the championship once again.