Lewis Hamilton discusses teamwork, factory life, and avoiding a culture of blame

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At Ferrari, there could be a sort of ‘blame culture’: Lewis Hamilton clarifies this topic and reveals, “I’ve never spent so much time in the factory before.”

The seven-time world champion spoke about the work the team carries out behind the scenes in Maranello, emphasizing that he has never spent so much time at the factory. Lewis Hamilton also addressed whether Ferrari has a sort of ‘blame culture’ that could harm the team from within.

The Stevenage-born champion is determined to keep pushing the Scuderia toward success. Any controversy with Ferrari President John Elkann has been eased by his words and those of Charles Leclerc. Both drivers expressed similar ideas, albeit in different ways. Ferrari appears united, at least that is the message being sent externally. The 2026 season is shaping up to be a crucial step for the team’s future. Work continues every day, and Lewis Hamilton believes he has personally made progress in managing the difficult moments experienced during this season.

Hamilton: “We all have to take responsibility”

“I think we all have to take responsibility within this team and do our part. We are all fully committed to making a change, and I am fully engaged in helping this team rebuild and develop. Every challenge is an opportunity for us to grow and learn, and I am confident that we will get to where we want to be. Some moments of the year have been difficult, but I feel I have surprised myself in terms of resilience. I still feel very positive, very determined in the face of the challenge ahead. I am focused on rebuilding and returning to winning.”

The seven-time champion has also tested the 2026 car alongside Charles Leclerc, praising the progress made in the simulator. Lewis Hamilton spent two full days at the factory, talking with the team and preparing for the new season, and more. The first podium is still within reach. Of course, 2025 has been a very tough year and expectations were entirely different, but now the focus is on doing better. Lewis Hamilton does not feel there is a ‘passing the buck’ culture at Ferrari and highlights that he has never approached his factory work this way, even ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

“I don’t feel a culture of blame; we are all in the same boat. I still believe in my decision to come here. It hasn’t been a good year for us, but we have learned a lot, and personally, I have grown a lot. I am here stronger than ever and I will try to finish these last three races on a high note. I have spent more time in the factory than I believe I have ever spent in any other factory before, because there was so much to do and learn. And it is really tough. We all work toward a specific goal, and then we take a few steps back. It’s like climbing a mountain — then the weekend arrives and we take a few steps back, maybe ten, and then we have to climb again and try again next time.” – the seven-time Formula 1 world champion concluded.