Latest news with #DriversPressConference
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Fernando Alonso Backs Hamilton: "He Can Turn Things Around Quickly"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has struggled in the first half of the 2025 Formula One season, though former teammate Fernando Alonso backed Hamilton to rediscover his form. When Hamilton broke into F1, his first teammate was Fernando Alonso, a top-tier, established driver on the grid. Alonso got a first-hand account of Hamilton's abilities early on, and while they would naturally develop into rivals, a mutual respect for their abilities matured. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari speaks in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari speaks in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. Photo byThe Spanish driver is uniquely suited to speak about what Hamilton is going through, being one of the older drivers on the grid, like Hamilton, and having driven for the famed Scuderia. "What's wrong with him? I have no idea. Lewis is a great driver; on tracks like Canada, he's capable of exploiting all his strengths," Alonso told the media in Montreal. "After 24 races, we'll do the math: he's struggling now, but he can turn things around very quickly. "I don't think the situation has changed much compared to last year with Russell. Then, the Mercedes was apparently difficult to drive and Russell was more comfortable. This year seems to be the same. But it's difficult to give an opinion without having all the information." Through the first nine races, Hamilton scored 71 points, which is good for sixth place in the driver standings. Ferrari, despite their woes, are in second place with regards to the constructors' standings, though already nearly 200 points down on the leading McLaren team. Considering how the car has stacked up to the rest of the field, Ferrari should be happy about where they stand, but pre-season expectations were set much higher than where the driver and team are now. Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, made the shocking decision to leave his long-time home at Mercedes to achieve his dream of driving for Ferrari. Arguably the biggest driver joining the historic team naturally came with a lot of hype and anticipation. Many expected both to hit the ground running in 2025, fighting for both titles, but in reality, Ferrari is still looking for their first race win of the season. His track record consistently shows Hamilton has overcome any adversity he faced. In the latest chapter of his career, he will need to do the same once again.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton Breaks Silence on Ferrari Future Amid Performance Struggles
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ferrari Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has opened up on his long-term future with Ferrari amid recent performance struggles. The Briton also revealed his preference for team principal Fred Vasseur, considering the recent rumors of his position being under threat. Hamilton's Ferrari journey has been under scrutiny, given his bombshell move from Mercedes ahead of the 2025 season, in the quest for his eighth world championship title. However, his journey so far with the Red team has been filled with learnings and struggles, apart from the burst of performance witnessed during the sprint race in China that Hamilton won. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari speaks in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari speaks in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 12, 2025 in Montreal, was upset after the Spanish Grand Prix and even stated to the media in a dejected tone that he had no answers. That led many to question if the seven-time world champion was at the end of his F1 career and contemplating retiring from the sport. When asked by the media, he confirmed his commitment to Ferrari during the press conference in Canada. He said: "To everyone that's writing stories of me considering not racing — I mean, I literally only just started, firstly, here with Ferrari, and I'm here for several years. "I'm here for the long haul. So there is no question in where my head's at and what I'm working towards achieving with this team. "So there's zero doubts. Please stop making up stuff." Hamilton admitted enjoying the current challenge with his new team and stressed that the current SF-25 F1 car has not been designed from his input. He also revealed that Ferrari will soon shift focus to the 2026 car, adding that his contribution will be present on the new car. "We're in that period where we obviously have to start working on next year's car. "The car I'm racing right now is not a car that I've had input in developing and evolving over the past four years. I'm driving a car that Charles has obviously been a part of developing [and] knows very, very well. "It's challenging, but I'm enjoying that challenge." The rumor mill also churned out stories about Vasseur and that his position in Ferrari remains under scrutiny. However, Hamilton has dismissed the speculation, stressing that he joined Ferrari because of Vasseur and that he would want him to stay. He said: "It's definitely not nice to hear that there's stories like that that are out there. "Firstly, I love working with Fred. Fred's the main reason I'm in this team and got the opportunity to be here, which I'm forever grateful for. And we're in this together. We're working hard in the background. Things aren't perfect, but for me, I'm here to work with with the team, but also with Fred. "I want Fred here. I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top. And so that's that." He added: "I'm here to win with Fred, and he has my full support."
Newsweek
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton Laments Early F1 Miami Qualifying Exit: "So Inconsistent"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has reacted to his early F1 Miami Qualifying exit. The British driver was eliminated in Q2 and is set to start the race at the Hard Rock Stadium tomorrow from the twelfth position on the grid. While speaking to Sky Sports F1 following qualifying, the Ferrari driver explained: "We will keep trying. We are only six races in but we are struggling big time. "We are trying our hardest not to make big set-up changes but no matter what we do it's so inconsistent every time we go out. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari speaks in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2025 in Miami, Florida. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari speaks in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2025 in Miami, Florida."We have problems with brakes, problems with this instability that we are struggling with and we are generally not quick enough. Just to get through to Q3 is tough for us. "Once you are on the backfoot, it's hard to pick up the points. Tomorrow will be hard work but we will try again. It's the same thing for me, I'm used to it but I will keep trying. "And I will be back at the factory next week and just keep going." Discussing whether he should have used another new set of tires in Q2, he added: "We should have. It doesn't make sense when you're struggling so much not to put two new sets on or utilise those sets. "But that's stuff we will chat about in the garage." Hamilton's Ferrari teammate continued into Q3 and will start the race from 8th. Four-time champion Max Verstappen secured pole position and will be joined on the front row by McLaren's Lando Norris in second.
