Lewis Hamilton Strongly Rejects Claims of F1 Performance Boost

Lewis Hamilton has brushed aside suggestions that he needs a strong Formula 1 result at the Canadian Grand Prix during his first year with Ferrari. Despite facing a tough start at the Maranello-based team, the seven-time world champion insists he is not in “desperate” need of a successful weekend at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

This is Hamilton’s tenth race for Ferrari, following his move from Mercedes after the 2024 season. Since joining Ferrari, Hamilton has shown flashes of speed.

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He claimed a sprint race win in China and finished third in the Miami sprint, but has otherwise gathered only points finishes. Currently, Hamilton is sixth in the drivers’ standings with 71 points.

He trails his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who has collected 94 points and three podiums in the last five rounds. The Ferraris have found themselves 197 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ standings, a stark change after running McLaren close the previous year.

Expectations were high for Hamilton’s arrival, with hopes that the experienced British driver would boost Ferrari’s Formula 1 ambitions. The reality has been more complex, and Hamilton has stressed that the situation at Ferrari may seem worse to outside observers than it is internally.

He explained that he and the team are still working to refine the SF-25 and adapt to changes in engineering approaches. Hamilton highlighted differences in how his new team sets up the car, compared to past teams.

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He mentioned that it has been a process to align his driving style and feedback with Ferrari’s preferred engineering methods. With 105 career Grand Prix wins, Hamilton has been adjusting to his new environment, while working closely with engineers to find consistent ways to improve performance.

The Canadian Grand Prix holds special meaning for Hamilton, who has won in Montreal seven times—a record he shares with Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher. Hamilton acknowledged that all teams are facing challenges in finding the car’s “sweet spot” at every circuit this season.

He remains hopeful for improved performance in Montreal, but made it clear he is not urgently seeking a breakthrough result. As the season progresses, Hamilton continues to focus on productive teamwork and consistency, rather than dramatic pressure for a big weekend.

The Canadian Grand Prix will provide another test for Ferrari and their new star driver as they work to turn potential into points. For more on Hamilton’s transition and challenges at McLaren before Ferrari, see his McLaren and Lewis Hamilton Monaco experience.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.