Spanish GP news: Lewis Hamilton reveals self-doubt behind emotional first Ferrari triumph
Lewis Hamilton has revealed he questioned whether he had "lost it" during a difficult period of his Formula One career before securing his breakthrough victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion delivered an emotional response after claiming his first win for the Scuderia in Barcelona, describing the achievement as the fulfilment of a childhood dream while also reflecting on the challenges he faced over the last 12 months.
Hamilton's victory marked a major milestone in his Ferrari journey after a challenging debut season with the Italian team.
Hamilton reflects on difficult period
Speaking after the race, Hamilton admitted there were moments when he questioned himself as results failed to match expectations.
"I couldn't have done this without this amazing team and the support I've had from them for the last year, even more so coming into this year after such a difficult year," Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.
The British driver explained that adapting to Ferrari and overcoming setbacks required significant mental resilience.
"I came from really quite a low place to get back here, and I think it's just really about never giving up, never second guessing yourself, never giving up on yourself and just keep on trying."
Hamilton also addressed criticism that surrounded him during his struggles.
"I think for the people that say the negative stuff, I often use that as fuel.
"I think it's easy to be negative about people."
READ MORE: F1 news: Lewis Hamilton secures first Ferrari victory at Spanish Grand Prix
Childhood Ferrari dream realised
The victory carried additional significance given Hamilton's long-standing admiration for Ferrari.
"Every day I've been having this dream since I was a kid," he said.
"In 1996, Michael Schumacher won here for Ferrari and I remember watching the red car and always wondering what it would be like to be winning in that car.
"And what it would be like to stand on that podium and be the one that's kind of given the team the moment to sing the national anthem."
"There's nothing like it, it's absolutely incredible."
Hamilton's triumph represented the first time he had experienced that moment wearing Ferrari colours.
Fans helped Hamilton rediscover belief
Hamilton credited supporters with helping him navigate one of the most challenging periods of his career.
"It was really the fans that rescued me," he said.
"Last year, several of the fans were shouting to me 'don't forget who you are' and that really resonated with me."
The seven-time world champion explained that reconnecting with family and close friends helped him rebuild confidence and perspective.
"I spent lots of time with family, lots of time with friends, real people that know me, that have never doubted me, have stuck to and by me my whole life."
Those experiences ultimately helped him regain belief in his abilities.
"I've rebuilt my mind to this point, to get myself back to where I was.
"And it's a great feeling to stand on that podium."
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Ferrari's progress encouraging Hamilton
While celebrating the victory, Hamilton stressed Ferrari still have significant work ahead if they are to consistently challenge at the front.
"It's so early in the season to get to this point," he said.
"These guys have really listened and really worked hard to add performance and be innovative."
Hamilton praised Ferrari's willingness to develop aggressively while acknowledging the challenge posed by rivals Mercedes and McLaren.
"We've got a lot of work ahead of us.
"By no means is this something that's just going to happen all the time.
"We've got a heavy, heavy, steep mountain to climb."
A new chapter begins
Hamilton's first Ferrari victory may ultimately be remembered as more than just a race win.
After a year of setbacks, criticism and self-reflection, the Spanish Grand Prix represented proof that one of Formula One's greatest drivers remains capable of competing at the highest level.
For Hamilton, the result was not simply another addition to an already remarkable career.
It was confirmation that the belief he worked so hard to rediscover was still justified.
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