Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has candidly shared that he is “definitely working hard to adjust” to life at Scuderia Ferrari as he prepares for his sixth race weekend with the iconic team at the Miami Grand Prix. Hamilton, who made a blockbuster move from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, is still finding his rhythm with the SF-25 car, but remains optimistic about unlocking its full potential.
Speaking during media day in Miami, Hamilton reflected on the challenges of adapting to Ferrari’s unique setup and driving style. When asked whether he could drive the SF-25 instinctively or if it required a more conscious effort, he said, “I would say you’re generally always a mixture of the two, but I’m definitely working hard to adjust to this one, for sure.” His comments underscore the steep learning curve he faces after spending over a decade with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world titles.
Hamilton’s transition has been closely watched by fans and pundits alike. Despite showing flashes of brilliance in early races, including promising pace during certain stints, he has yet to match the consistency of teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured a victory in Saudi Arabia earlier this season. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, however, remains steadfast in his support, stating, “I’m 2000% behind him,” and emphasizing that Hamilton’s potential with the team is undeniable.
The 40-year-old Briton has been proactive in his efforts to gel with Ferrari. Following a triple-header earlier in the season, Hamilton spent valuable time at Ferrari’s Maranello base in Italy. “We went through a lot, did some good sim running, and there are things that we’ve made adjustments to,” he revealed. Posts on X have also highlighted Ferrari’s early tweaks to the car to suit Hamilton’s driving style, with one user noting that the team had already made changes to improve his comfort behind the wheel.
Hamilton’s adaptation process has not been without its challenges. “It requires such a different driving style and settings,” he told Sky Sports F1, acknowledging the contrast between Ferrari’s approach and his previous experiences. Yet, he remains energized by the challenge, describing the process of finding the car’s limits as “fun” during pre-season testing.
As Hamilton heads into the Miami Grand Prix, he is focused on refining the small details that he believes will unlock Ferrari’s competitive edge. “In Formula 1 today, success comes down to the smallest details, and I believe we just need to refine those to unlock the full potential of our package,” he said ahead of an earlier race in China. With the passionate support of the Tifosi and Ferrari’s storied legacy behind him, Hamilton is determined to make his mark.
Former F1 driver Damon Hill, commenting on Hamilton’s transition, noted the difficulty of settling to a new team: “It takes a while. But he is still Lewis Hamilton.” As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Hamilton can harness his unrivaled experience and talent to bring Ferrari back to the top step of the podium.