'I don't regret the decision I've made' – Hamilton stands by Ferrari move despite tough 2025 campaign

Lewis Hamilton has insisted he doesn't "regret the decision I've made" joining Ferrari, despite a difficult maiden campaign with the team.

Much was expected of the seven-time World Champion and his partnership with the Scuderia, but Hamilton has struggled for both performance and results, which has left him 74-points behind team mate Charles Leclerc in the standings.

In 22 Grands Prix, the Briton has yet to score a podium, with the highlight of the season being pole and victory in the China Sprint back in March.

Last time out in Las Vegas, Hamilton recorded his worst-ever Formula 1 Qualifying performance, finishing 20th and last – the first time in his F1 career he has finished last on pure pace.

While he eventually recovered to the points in Saturday night's Grand Prix, Hamilton described it as a "horrendous weekend" post-race, and suggested he wasn't looking forward to 2026 with Ferrari.

Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, Hamilton addressed his post-Las Vegas comments while speaking in the pre-race press conference.

"I'd be surprised if the other drivers are excited about next year at the end of a season because usually, you don't have a lot of energy at the end," he said.

"You're looking forward to time with family and stuff. In the heat of frustration, often there's a lot of frustration at the end of races when things haven't gone well. I'm excited to see what the team build next year."

Hamilton was also asked if he would still have signed for Ferrari if he knew what this season would produce, replying: "That's a hypothetical question so I wouldn't go into that.

"I don't regret the decision I've made joining the team. I know it takes time to build and grow within an organisation and [I] expected that."

This season would mark the first time in Hamilton's 18-year career that he has not had a Grand Prix podium, with this weekend in Qatar and the final event in Abu Dhabi his only chances to change that.

Despite a difficult time in Las Vegas, Hamilton was more optimistic on his chances this weekend, with long, medium and high-speed corners along with tyres that are only allowed to complete 25-laps offering a different challenge to a week ago.

"I think the car should be pretty decent in terms of speed profile," he added. "Might be hard to keep up with Red Bull but hoping for a better weekend."