Lewis Hamilton has come clean about his frustrations with Ferrari's performance this season, blaming them on "heat of frustration". The 40-year-old said that while he's not concerned that team-mate Charles Leclerc outperformed him in the points tally, the reality is that Ferrari had a tough time competing.
Hamilton's comments about being "not looking forward to" next season came after a dismal weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite qualifying last and finishing 10th, Hamilton claimed that he was still excited for what's to come, as long as Ferrari can make some adjustments to their car.
He acknowledged that his first season with the Italian team has been an anti-climax to the one he envisioned when joining in the hope of taking a record-breaking eighth drivers' title. Instead, he's focused on getting a better package next year and making sure the team gets it right.
F1 is introducing new chassis and engine rules for next season, which could see Ferrari improve their performance if they can get their act together during the off-season. Hamilton also hopes that the current technical regulations will be scrapped in favour of a more aerodynamic philosophy that suits his driving style better.
However, he acknowledged that Ferrari still have "a lot of work to do" over the winter and expects them to make some changes collectively with him. With the new rules coming in, Hamilton is looking forward to seeing how they'll shake things up and hoping that he can finally get the results he's been chasing all season.
As for outperforming Leclerc, Hamilton said it wasn't an issue because "I've just been focusing on my side during this period". He acknowledged that Leclerc had done a great job, working with a well-oiled team over seven years.
Hamilton's comments about being "not looking forward to" next season came after a dismal weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite qualifying last and finishing 10th, Hamilton claimed that he was still excited for what's to come, as long as Ferrari can make some adjustments to their car.
He acknowledged that his first season with the Italian team has been an anti-climax to the one he envisioned when joining in the hope of taking a record-breaking eighth drivers' title. Instead, he's focused on getting a better package next year and making sure the team gets it right.
F1 is introducing new chassis and engine rules for next season, which could see Ferrari improve their performance if they can get their act together during the off-season. Hamilton also hopes that the current technical regulations will be scrapped in favour of a more aerodynamic philosophy that suits his driving style better.
However, he acknowledged that Ferrari still have "a lot of work to do" over the winter and expects them to make some changes collectively with him. With the new rules coming in, Hamilton is looking forward to seeing how they'll shake things up and hoping that he can finally get the results he's been chasing all season.
As for outperforming Leclerc, Hamilton said it wasn't an issue because "I've just been focusing on my side during this period". He acknowledged that Leclerc had done a great job, working with a well-oiled team over seven years.
I feel bad for Lewis Hamilton, he's clearly frustrated with Ferrari's performance and it's not just about being "heat of frustration" - the results have been disappointing and it's affecting his confidence. 
But at the same time, you can't blame him for wanting to win a record-breaking 8th title! 
F1 is always changing and introducing new rules could be a game-changer for Ferrari. They need to make some serious adjustments over the winter or risk being left behind. 
As for Charles Leclerc, it's great that Hamilton is acknowledging his teammate's strengths and giving him props - it's not all about who's on top, it's about working together as a team. 
he's saying ferrari has it bad and next season they gotta step up their game or get left behind but let's be real he's been stuck in traffic behind vettel for months so yeah i'm not buying the whole anti-climax thing 
lewis's teammate charles leclerc is basically a f1 super star right now 
and if hamilton can't keep up with him then maybe he should be thinking of sitting down for some team meetings or something 
he's not worried bout charles leclerc tho, cus he knows his mate is doin a gr8 job 
but seriously ferrari needs 2 step up their game ASAP 
i mean w/ the new chassis & engine rules next season they might just get it right 
fingers crossed for hamilton! 
