Lewis Hamilton’s father issues ‘difficult’ Ferrari st…..read more
Anthony Hamilton, father of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, has shared his thoughts after what turned out to be a challenging weekend for his son at the Australian Grand Prix. The elder Hamilton was in Melbourne to witness a historic moment, as Lewis made his highly anticipated debut for Scuderia Ferrari, having made the bold switch from Mercedes after years of success.
However, what should have been a weekend of celebration and optimism quickly shifted to frustration as Lewis endured a difficult and chaotic race around the Albert Park Circuit. Conditions on the track were less than ideal, with several incidents throughout the afternoon, resulting in six drivers retiring from the race. The treacherous nature of the track, exacerbated by unpredictable weather and tricky surface conditions, caught several teams and drivers off guard.
Despite high hopes heading into the weekend, Hamilton struggled to find consistent pace in his new Ferrari machinery. While his teammate Charles Leclerc managed to stay competitive toward the front, Lewis was mired in the midfield battle, unable to break free and challenge for higher points-paying positions. Ultimately, he crossed the finish line in a disappointing 10th place, salvaging a single point from what many expected to be a far stronger showing given Ferrari’s preseason form and Hamilton’s stellar track record.
Speaking to reporters after the race, Anthony Hamilton did not hide the emotional toll of the weekend. He admitted it had been a “difficult” experience to watch Lewis grapple with unfamiliar equipment and the challenges that come with adapting to a new team environment. Anthony emphasized that while the Ferrari switch marks an exciting new chapter, it also presents inevitable growing pains as Lewis and the team work to optimize their partnership.
“It’s always tough when you see your child going through struggles, especially when expectations are high,” Anthony said. “We knew coming into this year that there would be hurdles, and this weekend was certainly one of them. But Lewis is a fighter. He’s been here before and knows how to overcome these situations.”
Anthony further highlighted that joining Ferrari comes with immense pressure, given the team’s history and the weight of expectation from fans and the wider motorsport community. Ferrari is known for its passionate supporters and its storied legacy in the sport, and with Lewis Hamilton being one of the sport’s most decorated drivers, the pairing was seen as a dream team that could potentially return the Scuderia to championship-winning form.
However, Anthony cautioned that the reality of Formula 1 is never that simple. “People often forget how competitive this sport is,” he remarked. “You’re dealing with fractions of a second, and sometimes, no matter how good you are, things just don’t go your way. The weather, the car, the setup—all these factors play a part.”
Despite the challenging result in Melbourne, Anthony expressed confidence that both Lewis and Ferrari will bounce back as they continue to gel. He noted that these early races are crucial learning opportunities, and that Lewis, with his experience and resilience, will be key in helping the team extract the full potential of the car as the season progresses.
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories in the off-season, ending a long and successful relationship with Mercedes, where he secured six of his seven world championships. The decision marked a significant gamble for the British driver, who is eager to cement his legacy by taking Ferrari back to the top of Formula 1, a place they have not consistently occupied in over a decade.
For now, both Anthony and Lewis are focusing on the positives and the long journey ahead. “It’s just race three,” Anthony reminded. “There’s a long season still to come, and I know Lewis will give everything to make this work. Ferrari has the resources and the people, and Lewis has the determination. Together, they can still achieve great things.”
As the paddock shifts its focus to the next race on the calendar, the Ferrari camp will no doubt be working hard to analyze the issues from the Australian Grand Prix and come back stronger. For Hamilton, the quest to deliver Ferrari’s long-awaited return to glory continues.
