Ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Lewis Hamilton is using his experience as a seven-time world champion to challenge Ferrari as their winless season continues to unravel. He has previously leveraged his cache to advocate for including new races on the calendar as part of an ongoing effort. 

With only six races remaining in the F1 season, Hamilton has sent several letters to high-ranking Ferrari officials outlining what he believes are significant issues within the team’s operations. Hamilton joined the team to rejuvenate its legacy, but now demands a complete overhaul of the famous Maranello-based car.

The technology previously dominant in F1 is falling behind McLaren and its old Mercedes team in the Constructors’ standings. “After the first few races, I compiled a detailed document,” Hamilton said. 

“During this break, I’ve compiled two more. In some, I talk about the structural changes we need to make as a team to improve, and all the areas where we need to grow. In another file, I discuss the problems with the current car and the things that need fixing on the 2026 car, which I tested in the simulator,” he continued.

Ferrari is sitting third with 298 points and hasn’t celebrated a single victory this year. The losing streak is the longest drought in over a decade.

Hamilton is sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 125 points, while teammate Charles Leclerc holds fifth with 173. The duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris has dominated and rounded out the top two for McLaren.

“I believe the team hasn’t had the success it deserves,” Hamilton continued. “Over the last 20 years, it’s had extraordinary champions like Alonso and Vettel. But neither of them won with Ferrari, and I refuse to believe it could happen to me. If you take the same path every time, you’ll always end up in the same place.”

Hamilton previously complained about the team’s pace and said its structure wouldn’t allow them to podium. “I’m here to win, and I don’t have much time,” he admitted.

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Leclerc, meanwhile, struck a more diplomatic tone when asked about Hamilton’s internal reports.

“He has his ideas and I have mine,” Leclerc said. “We’re both pushing to improve the team. Lewis offers a different perspective, having worked at Mercedes for a long time, but it’s not that different from what I’ve experienced with other teammates. The difference is Lewis’ incredible career.”

Ferrari’s challenges this season include double disqualifications in Shanghai due to excessive plank wear and persistent strategic issues preventing podium finishes. Hamilton has secured six U.S. Grand Prix wins and will look to extend his record on Oct. 19.