Lewis Hamilton is not optimistic about the 2026 Formula One season, despite a commendable recovery drive to finish eighth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Hamilton faced a challenging weekend for Ferrari,
qualifying 20th on pace for the first time in his 19-year career. It was also the first time since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2009 that a Ferrari was the slowest in qualifying.
Hamilton's struggles have mirrored Ferrari's decline in the constructors' championship. After Las Vegas, Ferrari is fourth in team standings. With Norris and Piastri disqualified, Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli moved into podium positions, putting Mercedes 53 points ahead of Ferrari. This season, Ferrari has only seven podiums, all by Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth on Sunday.
The seven-time champion gradually advanced through the field but couldn't surpass Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg, initially finishing 10th. However, he was promoted to eighth after McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified for technical violations. Despite this boost, Hamilton found little satisfaction and expressed his eagerness to end what he considers a disappointing chapter of his career.
"It's a terrible result. There is nothing positive to take from today," Hamilton told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm eager for it to end, I'm looking forward to it ending. I'm not looking forward to the next one. " When asked if he meant the next race in Qatar, Hamilton clarified: "Next season. "
From the back of the grid to points Nicely done, Lewis! pic.twitter.com/bzP1EmcJeb
- Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) November 23, 2025
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur acknowledged Hamilton's remarks were made impulsively after the race. "Let's calm down. To jump out of the car and make the first comment. it's always a bit too much and let's discuss it after the debrief," Vasseur said. He empathised with Hamilton's recent difficulties but stressed focusing on upcoming races.
Hamilton is heading towards his third-lowest points tally in an F1 season after 2008 (98) and 2009 (49), though those seasons had different scoring systems. If he doesn't secure a top-three finish in the final two races of this year, it would be his first F1 season without a podium finish.
Looking Ahead
Vasseur noted that Hamilton showed promise during practice sessions despite starting from P20 not being ideal for good results. "Obviously, it's been tough for Lewis the last couple of weekends," Vasseur added. "He said it's been hard. I can understand the reaction from Lewis just after the race. " The focus remains on improving performance in future races.
