As Formula 1 roars back into action after the summer break, Lewis Hamilton is treating the second half of the 2025 season as a fresh chapter. The seven-time World Champion, now in his debut year with Ferrari, says he is focused on rediscovering the joy of racing while helping the Scuderia push forward in their quest for consistency.
A Season of Mixed Fortunes
Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories of the year, a seismic shift that promised both opportunity and pressure. His opening races highlighted the challenges of adjusting to a new car, the SF-25, and a new environment after more than a decade with Mercedes.
There were moments of promise. Hamilton’s Sprint race victory in China proved that he could quickly extract pace from his new machinery. Yet, the first half of the campaign also delivered disappointment. Hungary in particular stood out, where Hamilton was openly self-critical, calling himself “useless” after a difficult weekend.
Looking back now, the Briton admits that those comments came in the heat of the moment. “Emotions run high in this sport,” he explained. “Of course, I didn’t truly feel that way, but at the time frustration got the better of me.”
The Value of a Summer Reset
The summer break offered Hamilton the chance to recharge, step away from the relentless grind of the calendar, and reconnect with the things that keep him grounded. He spent time with family, including his niece and nephew, and enjoyed the company of his loyal dog Roscoe.
“I used the break to realign myself,” he said. “Lots of meditation, time with loved ones, finding gratitude in every single day—it reminded me of why I started racing in the first place. For me, this is a restart moment. It’s about getting back to enjoying my job and focusing on the love I have for the sport.”
That mental reset could prove decisive as the season enters its crucial final stretch.
Building with Ferrari
Adjusting to life at Ferrari has not been straightforward, but Hamilton has seen enough progress to feel optimistic. He praised the team’s dedication, noting the immense effort from the engineers and staff at Maranello.
“Everyone back at the factory is giving everything,” he said. “The standards are high, and sometimes it’s tough when the results don’t reflect all the hard work. But I believe in the process. We’re making progress, and that’s what matters most right now.”
Ferrari have shown flashes of pace but have yet to string together a run of dominant performances. Hamilton knows patience will be required as he and the team refine their approach. For him, the second half of the season is about steady growth rather than instant transformation.
Eyes on Monza and the Tifosi
One race stands out for Hamilton in the weeks ahead: Monza. Ferrari’s home Grand Prix is always a spectacle, with the Tifosi creating an atmosphere unlike any other on the calendar.
“I’m really excited for Monza,” Hamilton admitted with a smile. “The passion of the fans there, the energy, it’s something you can’t put into words. I’ve experienced it as a rival, but to be part of Ferrari at Monza—that’s special. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most.”
The Italian crowd has embraced champions in the past, and Hamilton is eager to deliver a performance worthy of their faith.
A Veteran with a Fresh Perspective
At 40 years old, Hamilton is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, but he continues to find ways to reinvent himself. The move to Ferrari, and the challenges that came with it, have tested his resilience and adaptability.
“The break came at the perfect time,” he reflected. “The next ten races will be tough, but I’ve got the whole team behind me, and I feel recharged. For me, it’s about drowning out the noise, staying positive, and keeping my head up.”
The combination of his veteran experience and renewed outlook could prove crucial as Ferrari seek to climb higher in the standings and Hamilton chases more podiums.
The Road Ahead
The second half of the season will not be easy. Ferrari must close the gap to rivals, while Hamilton himself must balance expectation with patience. But both driver and team are aligned in their goals, and the mood is one of quiet optimism rather than frustration.
Hamilton’s story has always been defined by resilience—overcoming setbacks, bouncing back stronger, and finding motivation in adversity. This year is no different. His decision to treat Zandvoort and the Dutch GP as a “restart moment” signals a shift in mindset that could set the tone for the remainder of the campaign.
For fans and for Ferrari, that mindset is as valuable as any upgrade to the car.
Conclusion
Lewis Hamilton enters the Dutch Grand Prix with renewed energy, clarity, and belief in the journey ahead. His time away has reminded him of the simple joy of racing, and he is ready to channel that positivity into results.
Whether in Zandvoort or at the iconic Monza, Hamilton’s focus is no longer on the frustrations of the past but on building a future with Ferrari, one race at a time.
As he put it himself: “This is a great restart moment for us.”
20
20
