Optimistic Hamilton sees Ferrari making breakthrough: “This is why I signed”

20:23, 15 Aug

Updated: 21:27, 15 Aug

byOlly Darcy

There is continued belief from Lewis Hamilton that he and Ferrari will be able to change their fortunes, with the Brit stating the reason "why I signed at Ferrari".

The seven-time world champion announced he would be moving to Ferrari from Mercedes before the 2024 season got underway, resulting in one of the biggest moves ever seen in the pinnacle of motorsport.

However, after 14 races, Hamilton sits on just 109 points, without a podium or race win to his name, 42 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc, with a sprint race win at the Chinese Grand Prix and a sprint podium at the Miami Grand Prix the only bright sparks.

Lewis Hamilton is yet to record a podium finish in a Grand Prix in 2025, while teammate Charles Leclerc has five to his name before the summer break

The Scuderia have brought upgrades to Hamilton and Leclerc's car in a continued bid to try and catch up to a rampant McLaren at the front of the grid in Belgium.

"The upgrade, I think, is a real positive, and we're still trying to extract... I think there's more opportunity to extract more from it," the 40-year-old stated to several media sources, including GPblog, in the paddock at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"We're still fine-tuning it. But Charles did a great job last weekend and obviously got a podium.

"We're not currently at the pace of the McLaren, still. Whether or not we will, yes, I have no idea. I hope [so]."

Will the summer break turn fortunes around?

Despite the struggles for Hamilton and Ferrari, who currently sit P2 in the constructors' standings, 299 points behind McLaren, the Brit continues to heap praise on the team for their work behind the scenes in the hope that change is found.

"As I said before, it's just trying to understand the environment that you're in. You have to adapt, and I think the people you work with ultimately will learn to adapt to cater to you," continued Hamilton.

"I think, this year, as I said, the response has been amazing to the steps that we've taken in all areas, and the passion and the desire to continue to do better is the most amazing thing I think in this team.

"Everyone just wants to do better and know and find ways of being better, and that's why I know this team has absolutely every ingredient that's needed to succeed, and I truly believe in that. That's why I signed here," the 40-year-old said.