Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari is primed for championship success, but will he claim his eighth title, or will Charles Leclerc take his first?
Lewis Hamilton believes his new Formula 1 team, Ferrari, is ready to win world championships again.
Ferrari’s current title drought dates back to 2007 for the drivers’ championship and 2008 for the constructors’ title, but Hamilton’s arrival comes as the Scuderia narrowly missed out on the crown last year, finishing 14 points behind McLaren F1.
Hamilton spoke extensively to the media for the first time on Wednesday during Ferrari’s season launch event, which also saw him complete his first laps in the Ferrari SF-25 during the Fiorano shakedown.
When asked if he had already found in Ferrari a team ready to fight for the F1 world title, he gave a short and confident answer: “Yes.”
Pressed for more details, Hamilton emphasized his experience with McLaren and Mercedes.
“I’ve already worked with two world championship-winning teams. I know what a winning team looks like and what it feels like. Everyone here… the passion here is unparalleled. They have absolutely all the ingredients needed to win a world championship. It’s just a matter of putting all the pieces together.”
“And we have a great leader with Fred [Vasseur, team principal] and John [Elkann, executive chairman] and Benedetto [Vigna, CEO], so… everyone has the right approach, very calm.”
“No one is saying ‘we are perfect.’ In every area, everyone says ‘we need to improve everywhere,’ and they are leaving no stone unturned to achieve that.”
Hamilton also responded confidently in the affirmative when asked if he now felt better than ever about his chances of finally securing that elusive eighth world title. Winning a world championship with Ferrari is a higher priority for him than simply breaking a record.
“For me, it’s above the record. Winning a championship with Ferrari for the first time comes first. That’s what I’m working for. I’m not thinking about the number eight. I’m thinking about the first championship the team has wanted to win for some time.”
And he has no plans to retire from F1 if he were to win his eighth world title.
“If I had the chance to win another title, which is obviously what we intend to do, I don’t see myself stopping.”
Hamilton was also asked about his new teammate, who also has championship ambitions. If the title is within reach, there will inevitably be a fierce battle between them.
“Charles is deeply integrated into this team. He is very fast, and I’m fully aware of that. It won’t be easy to beat him, but we will work together and have great races, I hope.”
Ferrari last won the constructors’ championship in 2008, the same year Hamilton secured his first world title. No Ferrari driver has won the championship since Kimi Raikkonen the previous year—Hamilton’s debut season in the sport.
“They have already won many world championships throughout their history, so for me, it’s about securing that first one with the team.”
“I’m also aware that many drivers never win a world championship to begin with. I’ve been fortunate to work with two teams before, to work with great organizations, and you’ve seen throughout the sport’s history that even great teams sometimes don’t have everything align, and some end up never winning a world championship.”
“But this team already has an incredible legacy and lacks nothing to win multiple world championships. So I believe that winning mentality is in their DNA.”
Ferrari finished second behind McLaren in last year’s constructors’ championship, with just 14 points separating the two teams. Hamilton expects the battle at the front to remain tight this season.
“The competition is fierce, and we’ve seen great results from other iconic teams like McLaren, Red Bull, and also Mercedes. It’s going to be close at the top.”
“But I have a fantastic team. The energy I get from them is incredible. It will take a lot of hard work and effort, and everyone is already giving their all to make it happen. But it’s also about belief. Everyone here dreams of winning with Ferrari—every single person in this team.”
- Discover More>Hamilton: “My first experience with Ferrari is nothing like anything I’ve had before.”
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Hamilton Backs Ferrari for F1 Glory in 2025 Hamilton Backs Ferrari for F1 Glory in 2025
