Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has delivered a devastating verdict on his debut season with Ferrari, confessing he is not looking forward to next year after a deeply disappointing performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
A Season of Struggle Culminates in Vegas Disappointment
The 40-year-old British racing driver, who signed a blockbuster multi-year contract with Ferrari worth an estimated £60 million per year ahead of the 2025 campaign, has endured a miserable year. His difficulties hit a new low in Las Vegas, where he qualified in last place, a first in his illustrious career.
Although Hamilton managed to fight his way up to 10th during the race, and was later promoted to eighth place following the disqualification of the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for a technical infringement, his spirits remained shattered. 'It's a terrible result,' he lamented to BBC Radio 5 Live. 'There is nothing positive to take from today. I'm eager for it to end, I'm looking forward to it ending. I'm not looking forward to the next one.'
Clarifying the Gloomy Outlook
When questioned if his comment about the 'next one' referred to the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton left no room for doubt, clarifying that his pessimism extends to the entire next season. This bleak assessment echoes his sentiments after the Brazilian Grand Prix two weeks ago, where he was forced to retire.
'I feel terrible,' he told Sky Sports, describing his first campaign with the iconic Italian team as 'a nightmare'. He added, 'It's been the worst season ever and no matter how much I try, it keeps getting worse.'
The statistics underscore his struggles. Hamilton is currently a distant sixth in the drivers' championship, a staggering 73 points behind his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc and a massive 138 points adrift of leader Lando Norris.
Team Principal Appeals for Calm
In the aftermath of the Las Vegas race, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur moved to downplay Hamilton's stark comments. Vasseur urged for perspective, suggesting the remarks were made in the heat of the moment immediately after a frustrating race.
'Let's calm down,' Vasseur said. 'To jump out of the car and to make the first comment it's always a bit too much and let's discuss after the debrief.' He acknowledged the tough run Hamilton has experienced but remained optimistic, stating, 'I can understand the reaction from Lewis just after the race, but we just have to calm down to discuss and to be focused on the next two [races], because the next two we will be back.'
