Lewis Hamilton has described the ongoing efforts to improve communication and race weekend procedures at Ferrari as a “work in progress,” as he reaches the halfway point of his debut season with the Italian team.
This weekend`s British Grand Prix marks the 12th event in the 24-race calendar. It will be the first time the seven-time world champion competes in Ferrari colors in front of his home crowd at Silverstone.
Despite optimism heading into the season after a strong finish to 2024, Ferrari`s performance has largely been underwhelming, and their aspirations of challenging McLaren for the world championship title have not materialized.
Meanwhile, Hamilton continues to adapt to Ferrari`s car and operational methods after spending 12 years at Mercedes. The British driver is yet to secure a Grand Prix podium finish this season, while his teammate Charles Leclerc has achieved four top-three results.
With just over six months remaining until a significant overhaul of F1 regulations in 2026, a period Ferrari hopes will see them return to title contention, Hamilton was questioned on Thursday about his satisfaction with the team`s preparations in areas beyond the future car itself, such as communication, updates, and workflow, and whether there was scope for improvement this year.
He responded directly, stating, “The answer is no. It`s a continuous effort.”
“I am actively trying to implement and bring about changes,” he elaborated. “It feels like a rather slow journey, but transformation is happening, and we are improving.”
“Naturally, you want everything to happen immediately, as fast as possible,” Hamilton added.
“This year is specifically about building that fundamental structure with the team. We are in the process of understanding each other.”
“We both have different working styles, which necessitates compromises and adjustments that we are making to ensure we are as well-prepared as possible.”
Hamilton Reflects on Austrian Grand Prix Strategy Discussion
Hamilton shared an example from the recent Austrian Grand Prix to illustrate how he and Ferrari are still learning to integrate their approaches.
During the middle phase of last Sunday`s race, running several seconds behind Charles Leclerc in third and fourth positions respectively, and facing no immediate threat from George Russell behind, Hamilton requested permission from the pit wall to extend his final stint before pitting.
However, the team maintained their predetermined strategy, and he pitted just one lap after Leclerc. The teammates eventually finished the race separated by nine seconds.
When asked if this moment had been discussed since Sunday, Hamilton confirmed, “Even just about an hour ago, I brought it up again. I raised it right after the race, and then we had time to look back at it.”
“I believe the team`s primary focus was simply to guarantee securing third and fourth place, which is entirely understandable. But I explained, `Look, I`m not here just to start fourth and finish fourth; I am competing for absolutely every small advantage we can gain.`”
“In a situation like that, for example, they put both of us on the identical strategy. I think we both did medium-hard-medium stints. I suggested I would have preferred medium-medium-hard so that I would have a different tire condition towards the end. I would honestly never want to follow the same strategy as my teammate.”
“Then, in that last part of the race, we weren`t under pressure from the cars behind, and they commented, `Yes, but Charles would have overtaken you near the end.` I responded, `Well, a Safety Car was a possibility.` At that specific moment, there was no downside to taking a chance, and I told them, `I never want to reach a point where I disregard your instructions, so what we are actively doing is working on our communication.`”
“We are still in the process of getting acquainted and understanding how each of us prefers to operate, and that is mutually understood.”
Hopes for a First Ferrari Podium at Home
Hamilton returns to Silverstone a year after achieving a record-extending ninth victory at the circuit – an emotional win at the time for the then-Mercedes driver, marking his first F1 victory in two and a half years.
Now 40 years old, he is focused on ending another unusual period in his distinguished career – a run of 13 races without a podium finish.
Remarkably, Hamilton has finished on the podium in the last 12 British Grands Prix at Silverstone. He stated, “I am optimistic that we will be in a similar competitive position to where we were in Austria, but I haven`t typically focused too much on Ferrari`s historical performance here.”
“If the weather is dry, McLaren will likely pull away into the distance. However, you can never predict what the wind and rain might do here,” he cautioned.
“The support from the crowd will be a significant factor, so I`m hoping they can help us close the gap a little.”
When asked if he could envision a stunning 10th victory, he replied, “I truly don`t know, and I would absolutely never want to jinx it. Deep down, I am hoping for a strong weekend.”
“I haven`t achieved a podium finish yet this season, so this would be an exceptionally special venue for that milestone. I am hoping the incredible support we receive here can genuinely make a difference.”
Gilbert Pendleton 
Wesley Dunham