Lewis Hamilton is all smiles again in Abu Dhabi: "I really enjoyed the battles to come back up the order." 

A first season in Red comes to an end for Lewis HamiltonAccustomed to success, the seven-time world champion had to contend with an SF-25 that fell far short of his expectations. The long-awaited partnership between the Briton and the Team It did not produce the expected brilliance, with only one Sprint victory in China – Ferrari's sole triumph this season. This year thus ends a run of 18 seasons with at least one Grand Prix podium finish for car number 44.

Recently, Lewis Hamilton seemed particularly frustrated by the lack of pace in his carand his repeated eliminations in Q1. Sixteenth on the starting grid for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he pushed his Ferrari to the limit to eventually secure eighth position at the checkered flag. While attention was focused on the battle at the front between the title contenders, spectators were nevertheless able to appreciate some impressive overtaking maneuvers on track by driver number 44. I had fun. Hamilton rejoiced, having missed smiling for several weeks. I really enjoyed the battles to get back up the order; it was a real fight to get back to where I started! The cars are so close, it's difficult, but the team did a good job, we succeeded with the strategy, and I'm happy to score some points. »

Turning the page on SF-25

Discouraged by the supremacy of McLarenFerrari quickly froze development of its SF-25 to focus on the next car, leaving the SF-25 struggling with persistent problems since April. These difficulties have put Hamilton under considerable strain, and he now wants to recharge his batteries. I don't have a mindset for next year right now; I'm not thinking about next year. he says. 2026 is not on my radar, for now I'm thinking about Christmas, spending time with my family and recovering from the season. »

More than once this year, Lewis Hamilton has appeared disappointed in front of the media, an attitude that his team principal Frédéric Vasseur understands. Lewis is completely different between his media appearances, where he doesn't necessarily want to answer questions, and his attitude half an hour later in the debriefings. He's much more constructive, so it doesn't bother me at all. underlines the Tricolor. We take the drivers too soon after the sessions. We should give them time to calm down, to process the emotions. »

This Abu Dhabi Grand Prix thus turns the page on a difficult season for the Maranello team and marks Lewis Hamilton's farewell to the SF-25 that caused him so much trouble. The next chapter will open with new regulations, perhaps more favorable to Scuderia Ferrari?

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