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Hamilton Celebrates Emotional Ferrari Victory: 'Proof You Never Lose It'
After a tough start to his Ferrari adventure, Lewis Hamilton has finally secured his first win in red—an emotional milestone proving he has rediscovered his form.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-06-14T19:29:34.000Z - 2 min read
Relief was written all over his face after Lewis Hamilton's first Ferrari victory. Following a difficult debut season, during which the seven-time world champion openly doubted himself and called his performances a "nightmare," this triumph felt like a personal redemption. The tears on the podium spoke volumes about the emotional journey he has undergone recently.
That transformation did not happen on its own. After the race, Hamilton revealed the intensive training and mental reset he underwent last winter, including a period off social media. "I proved that you never lose it, it just takes work," stated the 41-year-old driver, who candidly admitted that the criticism had sometimes cut deep.
External factors also appear to have contributed to the resurgence. According to former team principal Toto Wolff, the new, less bouncy cars suit Hamilton better than the previous generations. Wolff even suggested that Hamilton's new relationship plays a role, as a stable private life is often decisive for peak performance on track.
His arrival has also shaken up Ferrari internally. Hamilton is known for being outspoken and pushes the team hard for changes, both to the car and within the team culture. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur acknowledged that this took some getting used to for the established order, but praised Hamilton's unprecedented commitment and motivation, which has proven contagious for everyone in Maranello and at the circuit.
With this victory, following initial Mercedes dominance and a noticeable engine deficit, Ferrari has shown that recent updates are bearing fruit. The Ferrari is now particularly competitive on twisty circuits. Despite still trailing Antonelli by 41 points in the championship, Toto Wolff warns that Hamilton, "when he smells blood," is hard to stop. This promises an exciting battle for the rest of the season.