Lewis Hamilton reveals Ferrari plea: 'I was begging'

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he was “begging” Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur to implement changes following a challenging maiden campaign with the squad.

Hamilton often struggled for performance at the Italian squad in 2025, and ended the year with a considerable points deficit to team-mate Charles Leclerc.

However, it has been a much more positive outing so far this year with three podiums in the first six races.

The seven-time champion currently sits second in the drivers' championship, 66 points adrift of runaway leader Kimi Antonelli.

While Hamilton has enjoyed a stretch of frequent podiums, he has yet to take to the top step of the podium with Ferrari.

When asked if he feels his first win with the team is close, Hamilton told media including RacingNews365: “I mean, it couldn’t be closer, but it’s still 66 points.

“I can’t believe that I’m second in the championship and I’m really happy and thankful for that.”

Hamilton praised team boss Vasseur for the impact he has had on the squad, and revealed the Frenchman listened to his requests for change ahead of the 2026 season.

“I couldn’t have done that without this team, without the reliability that we have, and also with Fred,” he said.

“Fred has been awesome in supporting me. I think last year was really tough for both of us and [I’ve been] begging him for certain changes. 

“He pulled through and he did those, and now I’m seeing the fruits of that and I’m able to finally deliver for them.”

While Hamilton did not disclose what the said changes were, reports in Monaco suggested Hamilton switched to Carbon Industries brake discs earlier this year after struggling in that area last season.

As he looks to make further improvements in the coming rounds, Hamilton has set his sights on reeling in Mercedes in the pecking order.

“I think it’s still very early days in the season, so we just have to keep chasing,” he said. 

“It’s actually easier to chase than it is to defend, I would say, in life. 

“And so, whilst these guys are very quick and they’re an amazing team, we’re going to keep pushing, keep chasing, and I have no doubt at some stage we’re going to get there.”