Hamilton defiant: 'It’s a rollercoaster, but we’re in it together'

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season was billed as a dream pairing – the sport’s most successful driver joining its most storied team.

Yet, the union has been anything but seamless, with Hamilton facing a steep adjustment period that has drawn relentless scrutiny.

While a sprint race victory in China offered a glimmer of promise, Hamilton has struggled to match teammate Charles Leclerc’s pace in qualifying during the opening rounds, leading to the intense spotlight turning every slip-up, shortfall, and soundbite into tabloid fodder.

Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton addressed the noise, defending his adaptation process while acknowledging the unique pressure that comes with Ferrari’s iconic status.

“On one side it’s to be expected – it [Ferrari] is the greatest team in Formula 1 history, it’s that special,” said the seven-time world champion, addressing the public’s growing impatience and the pundits’ criticism.

“Of course there’s more stories that are written about it and people have opinions. And it’s not always been smooth sailing. So, just from my perspective, you can’t work with a team and change things overnight.”

The challenges stem from a profound shift for Hamilton, who spent 12 years at Mercedes, mastering cars and procedures tailored to his style.

Ferrari’s ground-effect cars demand a different approach, with their heavy, stiffly sprung nature and complex steering wheel controls requiring rapid-fire adjustments that test even the most experienced drivers.

For Hamilton, actions once instinctive now require conscious effort, a reality both he and team principal Frederic Vasseur have openly acknowledged.

“You won’t replace 12 years of collaboration in two weeks or two races,” Vasseur noted after last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying session in which Hamilton’s struggles were particularly evident.

‘It’s Like We’re Riding a Rollercoaster Together’

Hamilton’s current focus is on building a foundation, both immediate and long-term, to unlock Ferrari’s potential.

“We’ve spent time getting to know each other,” he said. “There are changes that are short term that we’ll do together, keep all the greatness and keep building all the areas that we could be stronger in.

“Some of those are short-term and some of them are longer term.”

The Briton spoke passionately about the team’s spirit, determined to channel it effectively.

“There’s so many great things within this team. We want to harness the energy and the passion that’s within the team,” he added.

But Hamilton also called for unity and understanding, reminding the media and fans alike that with Ferrari, the stakes – and the scrutiny – are always high.

“We also have to protect the team as well because the spotlight is on this team more than any other.

“Everyone in this team, their heart is so in it. It’s like we’re riding a rollercoaster together, up and down, and I have no doubts we will get to where we plan to be – it’s just going to take time.”

Read also:

• Vasseur: Ferrari ‘must improve’ but so must Hamilton

Hamilton remains confident in his Ferrari future, even as critics dissect every qualifying gap and pit-lane exchange.

While his early season results might not yet reflect the seismic promise of his move to Maranello, the Briton's unwavering belief in the long-term project suggests he’s in for the journey—not just the destination.

And if history has taught anything, it's that Hamilton rarely stays behind for long.

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