Emerson Fittipaldi Expresses Disappointment Over Criticism of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Debut

Emerson Fittipaldi, the two-time F1 world champion, recently voiced his displeasure over the criticism directed at Lewis Hamilton during his debut season with Ferrari. After a high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton's performance was closely scrutinized. The seven-time world champion struggled with one-lap pace and overall confidence, leading to a less than stellar start with the iconic team. However, Fittipaldi, reflecting on Hamilton's first year at Maranello, expressed his frustration about the harsh judgments the driver received. "I was quite upset when people were criticizing the move," Fittipaldi said. "Every driver dreams of driving for Ferrari one day. Lewis had achieved everything at Mercedes, so taking on a new challenge was a natural step." Despite not being able to challenge Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 title, Hamilton has shown signs of returning to form, even securing a victory at the Barcelona Grand Prix. Fittipaldi attributes Hamilton's resurgence to adapting to new regulations and believes the Briton's competitive edge remains intact. Additionally, he praised Ferrari's organization under Fred Vasseur, acknowledging that while strategic errors occur, the team is competitive, and Hamilton's talents are evident. Looking ahead, Fittipaldi is optimistic about Hamilton's prospects for securing an eighth world title with Ferrari. He believes that with improvements, particularly in tire management, Ferrari has a strong chance next year. This sentiment echoes the broader anticipation surrounding Hamilton's potential to add another championship to his illustrious career.