Encouraged by Ferrari Progress After Difficult Debut… read more 👇 details in the comments section
has expressed renewed confidence in his future with after a far more positive start to his second campaign with the Italian outfit. Following a frustrating and disappointing first year in red, the seven-time world champion now believes both he and the team are beginning to move in the right direction.
Hamilton’s highly anticipated arrival at Ferrari originally generated enormous excitement across Formula 1, with many expecting the British driver to challenge consistently for podiums and victories. However, his first season with the Scuderia failed to meet expectations. Across the 24-race calendar, Hamilton was unable to secure a single grand prix podium, while Ferrari also struggled to match the pace of their leading rivals on a regular basis.
The season was not only difficult in terms of results but also behind the scenes. Hamilton’s working relationship with race engineer Riccardo Adami often appeared tense during race weekends, with several radio exchanges attracting attention throughout the year. Ferrari eventually reshuffled roles during the offseason, with Adami moving into a different position as the team sought to improve communication and overall performance around Hamilton’s side of the garage.
Now, early in his second season with Ferrari, Hamilton appears much more comfortable within the team environment. His recent performances suggest that progress is finally being made, and his strong result in Montreal — where he secured an impressive second-place finish — has further boosted confidence inside the camp.
Speaking after qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton explained that he finally feels aligned with the engineers and crew working alongside him. According to the 40-year-old, Ferrari has now found a setup direction that allows him to feel more natural and confident behind the wheel.
Hamilton made it clear that he has no desire for further personnel changes around him. Instead, he believes stability and continued collaboration are the key ingredients needed to keep building momentum throughout the season. He praised his current engineering group and suggested the team is finally understanding the type of setup and preparation that best suits his driving style.
One particularly interesting revelation from Hamilton was his decision to avoid simulator work ahead of the Montreal weekend. While many drivers rely heavily on simulator sessions to prepare for races, Hamilton explained that his alternative approach helped him feel fresher and more connected once he arrived at the circuit. The veteran driver hinted that he may continue using the same preparation method for upcoming races if the positive results continue.
Hamilton also sounded optimistic about Ferrari’s overall car performance, insisting the current package has strong potential despite some obvious weaknesses. He praised the work being done at Ferrari’s factory and credited the team for producing a car that feels competitive in several important areas.
At the same time, Hamilton acknowledged that Ferrari still faces a major disadvantage when compared to rivals like , particularly in straight-line speed. According to Hamilton, Ferrari’s lack of engine power remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing the team from fighting consistently at the very front.
Despite that limitation, he stressed that Ferrari’s engine reliability has been excellent and noted that everyone involved with the power unit program continues to work tirelessly behind the scenes. Hamilton admitted that competing against faster cars on long straights is extremely difficult, especially at circuits where top speed plays a major role.
Even so, the former world champion remains hopeful that Ferrari can close the gap as the season develops. He emphasized that Formula 1 is heavily influenced by in-season upgrades, with teams constantly introducing new parts and improvements throughout the calendar. Hamilton believes Ferrari still has room to evolve its package and potentially become a stronger challenger later in the year.
He also pointed out that certain circuits may naturally suit Ferrari’s strengths better than others. Tracks featuring more technical and high-speed corners could offer opportunities for the team to compensate for its straight-line deficit and challenge rivals more closely.
After a turbulent first year with Ferrari, Hamilton’s latest comments reflect a driver who is regaining belief in both himself and the team around him. While challenges remain, there are growing signs that Ferrari may finally be building the foundation needed to return Hamilton to the front of the Formula 1 grid.