Lewis Hamilton refuses to back down in fight to fix Ferrari: 'I'm very outspoken'

Lewis Hamilton says he has no intention of softening his approach as he attempts to turn Ferrari into an F1 title contender once again.

The 41-year-old British superstar has enjoyed an improved second season at Maranello, and sits fourth in the Drivers' standings with just three races remaining in 2026.

But that is still some way short of the standards he expects after claiming seven world titles during his previous spells at McLaren and Mercedes.

Hamilton also acknowledged the challenge of arriving at a team where Charles Leclerc had already become firmly established.

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Hamilton acknowledges Leclerc influence

Hamilton was asked whether Leclerc's status had made it more difficult for him to implement the changes he wants.

"He's been here a long time, for eight years and has nine wins with the team, and he is very much embedded within the team," he began.

"I always knew that it would be a challenge. I've always respected that, and I've approached the team; I've really worked hard to build a good relationship with Charles, bridge the gap, and make sure that we're harmonious and we work hard together.

"I always try to be respectful, and so naturally, it's not so easy having someone like me come into a team because I'm very outspoken and I push and push and push."

'I'm going to be pushing for more'

Hamilton was equally clear that he has no intention of compromising his ambitions or changing his approach simply because of the established relationships within Maranello.

"I've pushed for so many changes, and I'm going to be pushing for more, and as long as I'm here, that's how it's going to be."

The comments underline Hamilton's determination to have a significant influence on Ferrari's development, with the British star determined to leave no stone unturned in his battle to restore the Scuderia to former glories.

It is now 18 years since the time claimed a title of any sort, and 19 since the red car carried a driver to a championship (Kimi Raikkonen in 2007).

Hamilton: 'I'm here to win'

Hamilton was also keen to stress that his approach is ultimately about getting the entire team moving in the same direction, rather than creating divisions and cliques.

"I'm here to win, and to be able to win, you have to work with everyone around you.

"You're all rowing, trying to get everyone to row at the same pace and with the same strength, and you have to push, and I have to push. I have to be pushed also to elevate.

"We all can always elevate and be better, and I truly believe that this team can be fighting for the championship next year."

Hamilton and Ferrari already looking to 2027

Hamilton knows the big improvement Ferrari need to make for 2027 involves their power unit - the 2026 chassis has performed well but the gap in raw speed to the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull has been a killer.

He continued: "We're now in the process of, I'm in the process of working with the head of aero and the head of vehicle dynamics to make sure that we hold on to the goodness of the car we have this year and fix some of the small subtle things that could be better."

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