Lewis Hamilton has reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari, saying he has no regrets about leaving Mercedes despite enduring what he described as his “worst ever season.”
The seven-time Formula One world champion started last on the grid in Las Vegas last weekend and finished 10th, later promoted to eighth after both McLarens were disqualified. In the aftermath, Hamilton admitted frustration and claimed he was not looking forward to 2026, when new engine regulations and rules come into force.
Speaking in Qatar on Thursday, Hamilton rowed back on those remarks, acknowledging positives within the Ferrari camp. “I think probably I’d be surprised if other drivers are excited about next year at the end of a season, because usually you don’t have a lot of energy,” he said. “You’re looking forward to time with family. That’s really it. But that was just in the heat of frustration… I’m excited to see what the team build next year and to continue to build on with them.”
Asked whether his outlook would change if Ferrari’s car performed better in the final races, Hamilton was firm: “No.”
Ferrari’s Struggles
Ferrari remain the only top-four team without a race win this season, and Hamilton has yet to reach the podium since joining in January. Despite the setbacks, he insisted he would still have signed with the team. “I would, absolutely. I don’t regret the decision I made joining the team. I know it takes time to build and grow within an organisation and I expected that.”
Looking ahead, Hamilton stressed the need for collective improvement. “We have a lot of work to do, for sure, over the winter. There are lots of improvements we need to make collectively but I think no-one’s under any illusion in the team that we all have to play our part. And I believe that we can.”
