Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season has yet to yield the success many had envisioned. The seven-time World Champion has found himself in an unfamiliar position, battling in the midfield rather than fighting for victories. Despite Ferrari’s storied history and Hamilton’s immense pedigree, the collaboration has so far lacked the performance edge required to challenge at the front.
The Briton has failed to secure a podium across the first ten Grands Prix of the season. While his Sprint race victory in China offered a glimmer of promise, he has otherwise struggled to match the pace of his team mate Charles Leclerc, who has claimed three podium finishes to date.
Nevertheless, Hamilton remains resolutely focused on the long-term vision. Speaking ahead of the 2025 F1 Austrian GP, the 40-year-old expressed his belief that these early-season challenges are crucial in laying the groundwork for a more competitive future.
A process of rebuilding and transformation
Ahead of the 2025 F1 Austrian GP, Hamilton addressed his current form at Ferrari with calm and clarity. Instead of showing frustration, he highlighted the importance of undergoing this transformation with the team.
“Would we prefer it if we were straight away just winning races? I am sure people in the garage wish we were straight away winning but I think, for me, I am grateful we are going through this process,” he said.
“We are doing a lot of building, there are a lot of changes that need to be made that we are working towards.”
His comments reveal that Hamilton prioritises more than just short-term gains. Rather, he is investing in what he describes as “foundation building stuff”, which he believes will yield results as the team turns its attention towards the new regulations in 2026.
“I am focused more on changes in the background, foundation building stuff that we need to put in place in order to have a better 2026.”
Cautious optimism around upgrades
Ferrari has brought a floor upgrade to this weekend’s event at 2025 F1 Austrian GP, although both drivers have been careful to temper expectations. Hamilton acknowledged the development, while also underlining the uncertainty surrounding its immediate effectiveness.
“You always want upgrades so I am grateful for every little bit, whether it is small or a big piece,” Hamilton said. “What I would say is do not expect much change. Hopefully tomorrow we will find something that we did not expect but again, we do not really know. Hopefully it will be a step forward in the right direction and I think that is the most important thing, that we are moving forwards.”
This pragmatic approach reflects Hamilton’s wider perspective. Even if the upgrades do not immediately transform the SF-25’s competitiveness, he remains committed to the larger project he has joined at Ferrari.
Leclerc looks to maximise 2025 F1 Austrian GP weekend
As Hamilton focuses on long-term restructuring, Charles Leclerc remains determined to maximise every race weekend. The Monegasque driver enters the 2025 F1 Austrian GP with momentum, having secured three podiums already this year. Ferrari currently sit third in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing Mercedes by just 16 points.
Leclerc, too, is hopeful that the Austrian updates will help close the gap to the frontrunners.
“We have got upgrades coming this weekend so it is a bit more of a positive feeling, hoping that this will close the gap to the guys in front,” he said. “Apart from that we are just fully focused on how we can maximise this weekend. That is always the goal.”
However, Leclerc will miss the opening Free Practice session on Friday, with Ferrari Academy Driver Dino Beganovic stepping in for FP1. Leclerc acknowledged the challenge this presents but remains confident in his ability to adapt.
“I will be missing FP1 so that will also be important to recover those lack of laps in FP2 and FP3 but I am not too concerned about this,” he added. “It is a track that I enjoy and hope that we can start to turn the situation around a little bit and challenge a bit more in front.”
Looking ahead with purpose
Although the results may not yet reflect the promise of the Hamilton-Ferrari alliance, both the British driver and his Monegasque team mate are embracing the challenges with measured optimism. While the road ahead may be arduous, both Hamilton and Leclerc remain united in purpose—to return Ferrari to the top of F1. For now, their efforts in Austria will provide the next test in that journey.
