Hamilton: No title hopes in first Ferrari season

Seven-time world champion puts debut season in perspective following technical setback that cost both Ferrari drivers points

Lewis Hamilton has downplayed expectations for his maiden season with Ferrari, insisting he "didn't expect to win from the get-go" or be "fighting for the championship straight away."

The British driver's comments come in the wake of both Ferrari cars being disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix results.

Hamilton's Ferrari journey has already delivered contrasting emotions.

After claiming victory in the Chinese sprint race for his first win with the Italian team, both he and teammate Charles Leclerc were later disqualified from the main Grand Prix – Leclerc for an underweight car and Hamilton for excessive skid block wear.

Setting realistic expectations

Speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton moved to contextualize his early experiences with Ferrari and temper the substantial hype surrounding his high-profile move.

"I think there was a lot of hype obviously, to start the season,"

Hamilton said.

"I think what's important to remember is that this is my first year with the team."

The seven-time champion emphasized that his focus remains on understanding the team's operations and adapting to his new environment.

"I've just really tried to spend this time observing how the team operates and how we're running and learn as fast and as much as I can," he explained.

Limited pre-season preparation

Hamilton highlighted the challenges of his preparation being curtailed compared to other drivers on the grid. Contractual obligations to Mercedes prevented him from participating in crucial tests with Ferrari's 2025 machinery.

"I didn't get to do the Abu Dhabi test, because I was obviously still with Mercedes. All the other drivers got to test those tyres, the 2025 tyres," Hamilton noted.

Technical issues further hampered his limited testing.

"When I came to do my Bahrain test and do my long run, I didn't even get to do it because we broke down. So my first long run in the dry, 20 laps, was actually the sprint race."

Taking disqualification in stride

Despite the disappointment of losing points in China, Hamilton appears to have taken the setback philosophically.

"I didn't feel like any frustration or anything afterwards. It is what it is," he said.

The British driver visited Ferrari's factory on Wednesday following the race to analyze what happened.

"We take the highs and lows together as a team,"

Hamilton emphasized.

"No team, no engineer, no mechanic, puts all the effort in for something like that."

He expressed admiration for Ferrari's response to the situation.

"The most impressive thing is how the team have taken it, how they've worked, how they've turned through the data, and how we progress from here is most important."

Technical insights

When questioned about awareness of potential plank wear issues during the race, Hamilton revealed he was actively avoiding problematic areas of the track.

"In the race, you drive away from the bump,"

Hamilton explained.

"So I was avoiding all the bumps in certain areas, I guess, exit of Turn 13, for example."

The champion maintained that the car felt normal from the cockpit.

"I couldn't feel the car. It wasn't bottoming, wasn't bouncing, or anything like that. So no, was not made aware, in that respect."

Ferrari currently sits fifth in the constructors' championship as the team looks to recover at Suzuka this weekend.

Hamilton's measured approach suggests a long-term vision as both driver and team continue their integration process amid the fierce competition of the 2025 season.