Hamilton Opens Up on His Ferrari Experience So Far, Insists Team Can Be “Excited”

In his most revealing comments since his blockbuster move, Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his initial Lewis Hamilton Ferrari experience, describing a deep and immediate immersion into the legendary team’s culture. Speaking from Maranello, the seven-time world champion insisted that the team and its passionate fanbase—the Tifosi—have “every right to be excited” about the future, signaling a powerful confidence in the Scuderia’s potential to return to championship glory.

Hamilton’s remarks provide the first real insight into his integration at Maranello, a process that is crucial for the team’s long-term success. He painted a picture not of a driver winding down his career, but of one who is energized and deeply motivated by the challenge of bringing a title back to the most storied name in Formula 1.

A Deep Dive into the Maranello Culture

A significant part of Hamilton’s early focus has been on understanding and integrating with the unique Hamilton on Ferrari culture. He described spending extensive time at the Maranello factory, not just with the engineers and strategists, but with people from across the company.

“It’s more than just a race team; it’s a religion,” Hamilton reportedly said. “You feel it the moment you walk through the gates. There’s a passion and a history here that is unlike anything else in the world. My priority has been to listen, to learn, and to understand what makes this team tick.”

This approach—focused on respect for the team’s heritage—is a savvy move by the veteran driver, aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the Tifosi and the hundreds of employees who are now part of his championship quest.

The 2026 Goal: Building a Championship Foundation

While the current season is ongoing, Hamilton’s gaze is firmly fixed on the future, particularly the Ferrari F1 2026 potential. The massive regulation changes for 2026, which will introduce new engines and chassis rules, are seen as a major reset for the sport. This is where Hamilton believes Ferrari can truly shine.

He noted that a significant portion of his simulator work and technical discussions with team principal Fred Vasseur have been centered on the long-term development path for the 2026 car. “We are building the foundation now for what we want to achieve then,” Hamilton explained. “Every decision, every piece of data, is about putting ourselves in the best possible position to be at the front when those new regulations hit.”

Forging the Hamilton-Leclerc Partnership

One of the most anticipated aspects of Hamilton’s move is the Hamilton-Leclerc partnership, which will pair one of the sport’s all-time greats with one of its brightest young stars. Hamilton spoke glowingly of his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, emphasizing a collaborative rather than confrontational approach.

“Charles is an incredible talent, and he’s Ferrari’s future,” Hamilton said. “My goal is to work with him, to push each other, and to use our combined experience to elevate the entire team. A championship is won by the team, not just by one driver.” This message is clearly designed to foster a positive and unified atmosphere within the garage, a critical element for any successful F1 campaign.

Conclusion: An Icon’s Final Chapter Begins

Lewis Hamilton’s initial comments from inside Ferrari paint a picture of a champion who is not just starting a new job, but embracing a new identity. His focus on culture, long-term development, and teamwork signals a mature and strategic approach to his final chapter in Formula 1. For the Tifosi, who have been starved for a championship for over a decade, Hamilton’s words are more than just PR; they are a beacon of hope that their long wait may soon be over.