Hamilton vows immediate change to Ferrari approach after Miami frustration

Lewis Hamilton has pledged to alter his race weekend preparation with immediate effect following a disappointing Miami Grand Prix, where early damage left him fighting for a distant sixth place. The seven-time champion, still seeking his first podium with Ferrari, described the weekend as one to forget and expressed concern about the team's straight-line speed deficit heading to the next race in Canada.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's public call for a change in approach signals internal frustration and a proactive search for solutions during his challenging first season with Ferrari. As the sport's most successful driver adapts to a new team, his ability to influence procedures and extract performance is critical. His comments also highlight a fundamental car weakness—a lack of straight-line speed—that could hamper Ferrari at upcoming power-sensitive circuits.

The details:

• Hamilton's Miami weekend was compromised from the start, with the Briton failing to challenge for top positions in both sprint and qualifying sessions.
• His race was effectively ended on the opening lap due to contact with Williams driver Franco Colapinto, which caused significant car damage.
• He spent much of the Grand Prix in "no man's land," ultimately finishing sixth, but believes without the damage he "would have been right up in the fight."
• Hamilton directly linked the need for change to the current preparation methods, stating, "The way we're preparing at the moment is not helping."
• He tempered expectations for the next round in Montreal, a circuit where he holds the joint record for most wins (7), citing the car's straight-line performance: "We're losing three to four tenths just on straight line speed... it's going to be there until we fix it."

What's next:

All eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari's operational approach at the Canadian Grand Prix. While Hamilton's history at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is stellar, the team's admitted deficit on long straights suggests another tough weekend could be in store. Hamilton's promised shift in preparation will be its first test, as Ferrari looks to convert hard work into a result that truly reflects their potential.