As Formula 1 arrives at Silverstone for the highly anticipated British Grand Prix, marking the halfway point of the 2025 season, Lewis Hamilton faces his home crowd not in familiar silver, but in the iconic scarlet of Ferrari. His move to the Scuderia was one of the biggest stories of the year, a pairing anticipated to bring immediate challenge to the frontrunners. However, as the season unfolds, Hamilton candidly describes his integration into the Maranello team as fundamentally a “work in progress.”
Speaking ahead of the Silverstone weekend, the seven-time world champion elaborated on the ongoing process of embedding himself within the Ferrari operation. Beyond the performance of the SF-25 car itself, Hamilton indicated that adjustments to core team functions – encompassing communication protocols, strategic planning workflows, and operational procedures – are still being refined. This adaptation, he notes, requires “compromises” from both sides as driver and team navigate new ways of collaborating after over a decade of established methods elsewhere.
This dynamic was recently underscored by a strategic discussion during the preceding Austrian Grand Prix. Running closely behind teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton suggested a deviation from the pre-planned strategy, specifically requesting to extend his middle stint on the tyres. The team, however, adhered to their initial strategy, pitting him just one lap after Leclerc. Hamilton later explained his rationale: a desire for strategic offset, emphasizing, perhaps with a touch of dry understatement, “I`d never want to do the same thing as my team-mate, ever.” While acknowledging the team`s priority might have been securing current positions (a pragmatic, if unadventurous, goal), he highlighted the missed opportunity for a potential gain, even if relying on external factors like a Safety Car. This exchange exemplifies the ongoing dialogue and adjustment required to align different operational philosophies.
Now returning to the circuit where he holds a record nine victories and an impressive streak of twelve consecutive podium finishes, Hamilton carries the hope of securing his first podium finish with Ferrari. While recent form suggests a challenge against current frontrunners like McLaren, particularly in optimal conditions, Silverstone is renowned for its unpredictable weather and the unique energy of its passionate home crowd. Hamilton remains hopeful that this unparalleled support might provide the marginal gain needed to achieve a special result this weekend. “In my heart I`m hoping for a strong weekend,” he stated, acknowledging the significance of a maiden Ferrari podium on home soil.
Ultimately, Hamilton frames this season as a foundational year. The focus isn`t solely on immediate victories (though always desired), but on building a robust, effective working relationship and refining the operational machinery that will be critical for mounting future championship challenges, especially with significant regulation changes looming in 2026. The journey with Ferrari is clearly still in its initial, complex phase, requiring patience, persistent effort, and a willingness to compromise as the seven-time champion integrates into the storied Italian team.
