JUST IN: Lewis Hamilton ‘missing’ former F1 team-mate… Read more
Lewis Hamilton ‘missing’ former F1 team-mate
Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he feels the absence of a familiar face from his racing past as he continues to battle through a turbulent first season with Ferrari. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who made the high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of 2025, has endured a campaign full of frustration and pressure, with neither he nor team-mate Charles Leclerc finding the consistency needed to challenge the front-runners.
Since arriving at Ferrari, Hamilton has spoken candidly about the challenges of adjusting to a new environment after over a decade with Mercedes. The transition has been far from seamless, and the team’s struggles this season have only amplified the scrutiny surrounding the British driver. During Sky F1’s coverage of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, former champion Jacques Villeneuve suggested that the Scuderia’s problems extend beyond the car itself, claiming there is a “lack of chemistry” within the team since Hamilton’s arrival.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton returned from the summer break determined to rediscover the joy that first drew him to the sport. Reflecting on his career and his time alongside previous team-mates, the 40-year-old revealed how much he misses working with former Mercedes partner Valtteri Bottas.
The timing of his admission came as news broke that Bottas will be making a return to the Formula 1 grid in 2026. The Finnish driver has been announced as part of the new Cadillac F1 entry, which will join the sport as the 11th team next season. Speaking to Sky F1 in Zandvoort, Hamilton praised Bottas’ qualities both on and off the track.
“I don’t need to say anything about his talent because he’s shown that throughout his career,” Hamilton said. “But [Cadillac is] getting probably the most honest, probably the funniest Finn, I would imagine. And just the most genuine person to work with. I miss working with him.”
Bottas, who raced alongside Hamilton at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, played a key role in the team’s dominant era, often acting as a reliable wingman while still securing notable victories of his own. The pair enjoyed one of the more harmonious partnerships in recent Formula 1 history, a contrast to some of Hamilton’s other, more intense rivalries with past team-mates.
For Bottas, the move to Cadillac represents a second chance at a full-time F1 career after stepping away at the end of 2024. He will be partnered by Sergio Perez, another well-known figure in the paddock, who lost his Red Bull seat following a difficult run of results. With F1 opening its doors to Cadillac as a new American-based entrant, both Bottas and Perez have been handed a fresh opportunity to extend their careers in the top tier of motorsport.
Cadillac’s decision to recruit such experienced drivers is seen as a strategic move. Both Bottas and Perez built reputations as dependable No.2 drivers during their stints at top teams—Bottas supporting Hamilton during Mercedes’ title-winning years, and Perez playing a crucial role alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Their collective experience is expected to provide Cadillac with stability and leadership as the team finds its footing in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
However, questions remain about just how competitive the newcomers will be. As the newest outfit on the grid, Cadillac faces a steep learning curve in developing a car capable of challenging established teams. While the pedigree of Bottas and Perez cannot be questioned, success will depend heavily on how quickly the team adapts to the technical and operational demands of the sport.
For Hamilton, meanwhile, Bottas’ comeback has offered a moment of nostalgia during what has been a testing year. His fond words about his former colleague underline the bond they built during their time together at Mercedes. As Hamilton continues to chase a first podium finish with Ferrari, his reflections serve as a reminder of the stability and support he once enjoyed in his most successful years with the Silver Arrows.
With Bottas preparing for his new chapter and Hamilton striving to turn around Ferrari’s fortunes, both drivers stand at significant crossroads in their careers—one reigniting his journey, the other looking to prove he can still compete at the very top.
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