Lewis Hamilton has "no regrets" about joining Ferrari, retracts 2026 comments
Despite his 2025 Formula 1 season going from bad to worse, Hamilton denies he made a mistake by joining Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photo by: Dom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says he has "no regrets" over joining Ferrari, despite his season hitting a new low in Las Vegas, and has walked back comments that he is "not looking forward" to 2026.
Hamilton qualified last in a wet Q1 session in Las Vegas, a first for him, and after climbing to a lowly 10th in the race he said he felt "terrible", adding that it's been "the worst season ever and no matter how much I try, it just keeps getting worse."
He also said he was "not looking forward" to 2026, when F1 shifts away from the current ground-effect cars that Hamilton hasn't gotten along with.
However, when speaking ahead of this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton backtracked from comments he made in the heat of the moment.
"I'd be surprised if the other drivers are excited about next year at the end of a season - because you usually don't have a lot of energy at the end of a season," He said. "Looking forward to time with family and stuff.
"Look, that's just in the heat of frustration. Often there's a lot of frustration at the end of races, but particularly when they haven't gone well. So no, I'm excited to see what the team build next year and to continue to build on with them.
Watch: F1 Update: McLaren explains what caused Norris and Piastri DSQ, what’s behind Newey’s promotion?
Hamilton, who is yet to score a podium with his new employer, added: "I gelled in the team, there's amazing passion within the team and there's a good focus for next year."
Asked if there was any regret about leaving Mercedes for Ferrari and signing a long-term contract at Maranello, the 40-year-old replied: "I don't regret the decision I made joining the team. I know it takes time to build and grow within an organisation, and I expected that."
Photos from Qatar GP - Thursday
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
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Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
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Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
Qatar GP - Thursday, in photos
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