Lewis Hamilton stated that the success of his tenure at Ferrari should be evaluated not based on the initial months of his first season, but rather on the results achieved “after a few years” with the team.
Hamilton`s move to Ferrari after 12 years at Mercedes was major news, but the start of the 2024 season has been challenging for him.
Ferrari was expected to be a strong contender, but after six rounds of the new season, the team has significantly fallen behind the leader.
Hamilton has shown glimpses of form, winning the Sprint in China and finishing third in the Miami Sprint, but the seven-time world champion has generally struggled to match his teammate Charles Leclerc in qualifying sessions and full-length races.
When asked if the upcoming triple-header of races, starting with this weekend`s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, would define Ferrari`s season, Hamilton replied:
“I`m not placing all our hopes solely on these three events.”
“Even if these three races go poorly, hope will still remain. I don`t believe that will be the case, but I`m simply saying that we`re not tying everything to a single event.”
“Personally, I`m not evaluating our success based on a small number of races, half a season, or even one season.”
“Let`s discuss this at the end of my career here at Ferrari, after a few years with the team, and then we can assess what we`ve achieved. That`s when we can look back and say whether or not we were successful.”
“These past few months are merely the initial steps on our path towards our goal.”
Hamilton `really hopeful` Imola upgrades will improve car
Ferrari, like many other teams, is expected to bring upgrades to Imola; the first European race of the season is traditionally a point for introducing new parts.
Hamilton expressed optimism that the new parts could help him improve his current seventh position in the drivers` standings, where he is already 90 points behind the leader.
Hamilton reported:
“I was at the factory on Tuesday and Wednesday, interacting with the team. I believe everyone acknowledges our current situation, and we are trying to take steps for improvement.”
“This weekend, we will have new parts which will hopefully improve the car. I`m really hoping for that.”
Acknowledging his visible disappointment with several recent performances, both his own and the team`s, Hamilton explained his psychological approach that helps him continue to fight.
He stated:
“Ultimately, it comes down to the self-belief you possess, and it`s simply a mindset. I genuinely consider myself far from perfect, I truly believe that each day I can be better, I can try harder, and if I fail, I try again.”
“When things get tough, I have methods I employ. I don`t really pay attention to all that stuff. There are so many rumors, so many people making assumptions, comments, judgments – 99 percent of them don`t truly know what`s going on; arguably, 100 percent don`t know what I`ve been through to reach my current position.”
“I often remind myself of other things: I have seven titles, I`ve won more races than any other driver in history. I must remind myself that I have also accomplished great things.”
“And although things won`t always be perfect, and we are currently in this period, things will improve if you believe, continue to work, and move forward.”
“There is no lack of enthusiasm or talent within this team. I genuinely and truly believe we will get there at some stage; we just need to be patient.”
