Lewis Hamilton says recent behind-the-scenes changes at Ferrari have left him in a good mindset, marking a notable shift after a turbulent debut season.
The seven-time world champion endured a difficult first year in red, struggling for consistency and failing to secure a single podium finish.
His frustrations peaked after a disappointing qualifying session in Hungary, where he could manage only 12th on the grid and later described himself as “useless”. The campaign also included three consecutive Q1 exits, highlighting persistent one-lap issues.
Over the winter, Ferrari implemented significant internal adjustments aimed at improving performance and harmony within the team structure.
Among the most notable changes was a switch in Hamilton’s race engineer, with Riccardo Adami removed from his car after reports of a lack of effective working chemistry. Carlo Santi, previously an engineer for Kimi Raikkonen, stepped into the role.
These alterations, combined with wider organisational refinements at Maranello, are said to have transformed Hamilton’s working environment.
He now reportedly feels he is operating in his best-ever surroundings at Ferrari as the team targets performance gains and looks to close the gap to Mercedes in the constructors’ standings.
“I am in a really happy place,” Hamilton told media.
“With the team, it has taken a long time to adjust, on both sides, and it was a difficult season last year with the car that we weren’t developing.
“But we’ve made so many changes internally, both within the team and how we operate back at the factory, and it is like the best it’s ever been in terms of how we work together.
“Perhaps there are a couple of sponsor commitments too many, but otherwise, it is really good.”
