Source:REUTERS/Raquel Cunha
[Saba Sports News] Former Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas admitted that seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation process at Ferrari has been slower than expected. However, Bottas remains optimistic that Hamilton will return to top form in the 2026 season. He also pointed out that some of Hamilton’s critics may have underestimated Charles Leclerc’s abilities. Since Hamilton moved from Mercedes to Ferrari, he has not lived up to external expectations. Although he won the Sprint Race in China, Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish in the 2025 season so far, meaning he might face his first podium-less season with Ferrari. Meanwhile, his teammate Leclerc has already secured seven podium finishes and leads Hamilton by 66 points in the drivers’ championship. Bottas stated that in the latter half of the season, Hamilton’s performance level has been closer to Leclerc’s, indicating that Hamilton is gradually regaining his form. With the implementation of new chassis and engine regulations in the 2026 season, both Hamilton and Ferrari will have an opportunity to rejuvenate, especially in the pursuit of an eighth F1 World Championship title.