Lewis Hamilton has urged fans not to have high expectations regarding Ferrari’s recently introduced car floor upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend, signaling that the improvement might not deliver significant gains. The seven-time world champion, now in his first season with Ferrari, has faced a difficult debut campaign marked by a lack of podium finishes through the first 11 races.
Challenges in Hamilton’s First Season at Ferrari Compared to Teammate Leclerc’s Progress
After his major switch from Mercedes, Hamilton has struggled to replicate past successes, while teammate Charles Leclerc has secured three podium finishes. Ferrari’s performance so far this season has fallen short of pre-season forecasts, where many had predicted they would be McLaren’s foremost competitors for the constructors’ crown. Despite ongoing difficulties, Ferrari has persisted with upgrades to improve reliability and competitiveness, including the latest revised floor component aimed at addressing aerodynamic issues.
Hamilton’s Perspective on Ferrari’s Development and Focus on Future Regulations
Reflecting on the new car floor, Hamilton commented,
“The team have worked really hard to bring a new floor. We don’t know what kind of step it is so I’ll find out tomorrow.”
He acknowledged the uncertainty around the upgrade’s effectiveness but remained hopeful it would help progress the team forward. When asked about whether his priority lies in enhancing the current SF-25 model or preparing for the upcoming regulatory changes in 2026, Hamilton stated,
“I’m focused more on changes in the background, foundation-building stuff that we need to put in place in order to have a better 2026.”
Hamilton also expressed appreciation for each upgrade, regardless of its size, saying,
“You always want upgrades so I’m grateful for every little bit, whether it’s a small or big piece.”
He tempered enthusiasm about the floor upgrade by adding,
“What I would say is, don’t expect much change. Hopefully tomorrow we’ll find something that we didn’t expect, but again, we don’t really know, so we will find out tomorrow.”
Following this, he noted,
“Hopefully it will be a step forward in the right direction, and I think that’s the most important thing, that we are moving forwards.”
Finding Positivity Amid a Tough Season and Film Success
Hamilton acknowledged the difficulties in his inaugural season with Ferrari, describing it as more challenging than he had initially anticipated. Nonetheless, the 40-year-old is consciously focusing on the positive aspects of his current situation both on and off track. He has recently worked as a producer on the globally released “F1 The Movie,” which stars Brad Pitt and has been warmly received by audiences worldwide.
He said,
“In terms of the environment that’s around me, to be working in this team – would we prefer it if we were just straight away winnings races? I’m sure people in the garage wish we were, but I’m grateful we’re going through this process.”
He emphasized the importance of ongoing development, adding,
“We’re doing a lot of building, a lot of changes that need to be made so that we’re working towards something positive.”
Hamilton highlighted how his involvement with the film and supportive partnerships have contributed to his positive outlook, explaining,
“Then you’ve got the movie, a lot of great partners, so there are so many positives.”
He recognized the common tendency to focus on negatives but stressed his efforts to maintain an optimistic view. Sharing his delight over the movie’s reception, Hamilton said,
“I’m so happy people are enjoying it and being excited by it. The reaction of people in the cinema is unusual – I don’t think I’ve heard it – people laughing and giggling and cheering, so that’s definitely been a big highlight for the year.”
Schedule and Coverage Details for Austrian Grand Prix Weekend
The Austrian Grand Prix is the next event in the 2025 Formula 1 calendar, returning to Europe with extensive live coverage on Sky Sports F1. The race weekend will feature multiple practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprints, and feature races across Formula 3, Formula 2, and Porsche Supercup categories.
Friday’s schedule includes F3 and F2 practice sessions, the first Austrian GP practice, and qualifying rounds for F3 and F2. Saturday features the F3 Sprint and the final practice before Saturday’s Austrian GP qualifying session. Sunday is packed with the F3 Feature Race, F2 Feature Race, Porsche Supercup race, and culminating in the Austrian Grand Prix itself, followed by post-race analysis programs.
Fans can stream all sessions live via Sky Sports with NOW, providing flexible access without long-term contracts.
Looking Ahead: Incremental Gains and a Focus on Long-Term Objectives
Hamilton’s cautious outlook on the new Ferrari floor upgrade underscores the broader reality facing the team this season: progress is gradual and uncertain. While immediate performance improvements at the Austrian GP remain unclear, the ongoing upgrades represent essential steps as Ferrari builds toward stronger competitiveness under next year’s new regulations. Hamilton’s emphasis on foundational development reflects a strategic focus on laying groundwork for success in 2026 rather than instant gratification.
The combination of Hamilton’s experience, the evolving car updates, and emerging young talent like Leclerc will be central to Ferrari’s pursuit of reclaiming their status at the top of Formula 1 in the near future.