Lewis Hamilton reveals after Ferrari victory: "Doubt does something to you"

A victory with Ferrari does something to a racing driver, even a driver as spoilt by success as Lewis Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton is deeply moved after his first GP win for Ferrari, fittingly 30 years after Michael Schumacher's first GP win for Ferrari at the same venue.

Tears are foremost in Lewis Hamilton's eyes as he says in a breaking voice: "I find it quite difficult to find the right words. It's very hard for me to believe that I can finally feel this after endless days of trying and failing, trying again and failing again."

"So many people doubted me, secretly, but also very publicly - honestly, it wasn't easy to digest. But persistence pays off, it's part of my attitude to life to never give up, and deep down I always knew what I was still capable of."

"I could never have done this without this fabulous team who have always supported me, this is a monumental moment in my career and in my life."

"Ferrari did everything right today and I was part of it. It was also my decision to go for a three-stopper. I was able to judge that because I knew how the car felt in that race trim in the simulation."

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"It's difficult to convey what's going on inside me. But all these years I've been standing next to drivers like Sebastian Vettel, with the Ferrari team downstairs singing the Italian anthem. Today the guys sang for me. Now I know how Seb felt - it's really something incredible."

"In a few days, I'll think about this day: Why didn't I find more appropriate words? I mean, how do you put emotions into words when your wildest dreams are exceeded?"

"I have always firmly believed that my decision to join Ferrari was the right one. And I always firmly believed that I could achieve extraordinary things with Ferrari."

"It all started in high spirits at the beginning of 2025, but then a lot of doubts and negativity arose. And that lasted for about a year. During this difficult phase, I was saved by my fans, my family and my friends. They stuck by me."

"And then we implemented a lot of changes, and all of that made it possible for me to stand at the top of the podium today. I feel great pride in the whole Scuderia and deep gratitude."

"The passion of the Ferrari employees is unique, but at the same time they are down to earth and warm-hearted. To see them from up there today, singing the Italian anthem with such fervour, wow, that knocked my socks off! I can't imagine there could be a more exhilarating feeling."

"Every victory has its own flavour. But of course some stand out. The first one. Or the first at Silverstone. Or Silverstone 2024, which came after a long time, at a stage where you naturally start to wonder if you can make it to the top again. And now Barcelona."

"Honestly, during the difficult year of 2025, it naturally crossed my mind: 'Uff, maybe it's true, maybe I've really lost that last bite'. I'm only human. I saw headlines about me, and of course that does something to you."

"That was also the time when I took myself out of all the hype a little bit. I spent more time with family and friends, with people who know what makes me tick and who mean well by me."

"Many people may not have realised it in 2025, but I worked so hard in the background to get Ferrari back on the road to victory. I am very grateful that I found a sympathetic ear. I said in Maranello - we have to lead the way again. Then came this additional wing behind the exhaust. And I also campaigned for the rotary wing. I told my team: 'We have to be leaders again. And Ferrari has shown that they still have what it takes."