Lewis Hamilton has taken an unorthodox step in trying to turn Ferrari’s fortunes around by personally compiling detailed reports and presenting them to the team’s top management. The seven-time world champion, speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, emphasized that he refuses to follow the path of other world champions like Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, who failed to win a title during their time at Ferrari. Hamilton said his motivation is to avoid a similar outcome and instead guide the Italian team to championship success during his tenure.
Hamilton explained that his extensive experience at successful teams like McLaren and Mercedes has shaped his proactive approach. While acknowledging Ferrari’s unique culture, he warned that repeating the same internal practices will only lead to the same results. As such, he has made efforts to energize the organization and form strong relationships within, declaring this as “crunch time” in his racing career. His main focus is on driving the team toward success, not just participating.
Despite a strong legacy, Ferrari has not secured a drivers’ championship since 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen or a constructors’ title since 2008. Hamilton, who joined the team in 2025, has yet to claim a win or even a podium at the halfway mark of the current season. This lack of performance pushed him to engage with Ferrari’s senior leaders — including chairman John Elkann, CEO Benedetto Vigna, and team boss Fred Vasseur — to share his personal evaluations and ideas for improvement.
Hamilton emphasized that Ferrari’s potential is vast, but the team is not currently operating at full capacity. He pointed out that while the passion within the organization is unparalleled, the complexity of the team structure leads to inefficiencies. He believes that this fragmentation is what has held Ferrari back from achieving consistent success, and sees it as his responsibility to challenge leadership and push for structural and strategic changes.
Ultimately, Hamilton said his sole objective at Ferrari is to win championships and restore the team’s competitive edge. He sees himself not just as a driver, but as a catalyst for transformation within one of Formula One’s most iconic teams. By challenging the status quo and advocating for change at the highest levels, he aims to create a lasting impact and bring Ferrari back to title-winning form.
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