**Lewis Hamilton Admits Emotional Toll of Tough Start at Ferrari as Summer Break Nears**
Lewis Hamilton has candidly revealed how the opening months of his Ferrari career have weighed on him emotionally, acknowledging that he expects to “have a cry” when he returns home for Formula 1’s summer hiatus. The British driver’s honest admission comes after a string of unsteady showings that have left him languishing behind his team-mate, Charles Leclerc, in the championship standings.
Hamilton, illustrious for his seven world titles, embarked on a highly-anticipated partnership with Ferrari at the start of this season. However, the transition has proven challenging. After years spent racing for Mercedes, the 40-year-old has struggled to adapt to the culture and dynamics of his new Italian team. The difficulties have been compounded by inconsistent results on the track, as Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers’ championship.
Speaking during the build-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton did not shy away from expressing how taxing the year has been. “The last… seasons have each been difficult in their own way,” he remarked. “But this one, with the new team and new environment, has been the most intense by far. Integrating into this team, learning a new way of working – it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, and it has been a real battle.”
He went on to explain the emotional impact of the season, admitting, “My spirit definitely needs a chance to recharge. Being around my children and loved ones, and having a good laugh, will help me reset. There’ll probably be some tears as well, and honestly, I think that’s healthy. Sometimes you just need to let it all out.”
For much of the campaign, Hamilton has found himself in the shadow of Leclerc, who already boasts five podium finishes. The Briton’s successes have been fleeting and often clouded by disappointment – most notably in China, where his sprint race win was erased by a subsequent disqualification. These setbacks have left the chances of an eighth championship looking increasingly remote.
Nevertheless, Hamilton says he remains committed to integrating fully at Ferrari and giving his utmost for the team. “I love racing, I love being in red, and I truly believe in what Ferrari is building,” he explained. “I want to do everything I can to help, not just on the circuit but behind the scenes as well. There’s always room for improvement: in the team, in the car, and in myself.”
The mid-season pause, Hamilton suggested, could provide some much-needed respite for the whole Scuderia outfit, not just the drivers. “I’m eagerly anticipating this break – I think the mechanics, the engineers, everyone at the factory deserves it. Hopefully, time with their families will allow everyone to return sharper and reinvigorated for the rest of the season.”
Frustrations continued to mount at recent races. In Belgium, while Leclerc celebrated another podium with a third-place finish, Hamilton could manage only seventh, missing out yet again on a top-three spot. It’s a result that underscores the competitive gap Ferrari still faces in returning to title-challenging form, and the scale of the task ahead for Hamilton.
As the Formula 1 paddock packs up for the summer break, attention will soon turn to whether Hamilton and Ferrari can regroup and come back stronger. The season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August, offering another chance for the pairing to find a breakthrough. For now, Hamilton appears determined to regroup mentally and emotionally, maintaining the hope that brighter days are still ahead.
Hamilton’s openness about his struggles is a rare insight into the psychological pressures facing elite athletes, particularly when adapting to new teams and lofty expectations. The coming weeks will test whether a period of reflection and rest can help reignite both his competitive spirit and Ferrari’s fortunes as they chase that elusive return to the very top of motorsport.