Two-time F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi has revealed why he was “quite upset” about Lewis Hamilton’s debut season at Ferrari last year.

After such a high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, all eyes were on Lewis Hamilton to see what F1’s record Grand Prix winner could do in brand-new machinery.

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However, Hamilton’s debut campaign at Maranello left a lot to be desired, with the Briton’s struggles for one-lap pace and confidence in general being evident throughout the year.

2026 has seen glimpses of the seven-time world champion’s best form returning, but that hasn’t stopped Emerson Fittipaldi from voicing how “upset” he was after seeing how badly Hamilton was criticised last year.

Emerson Fittipaldi was ‘quite upset’ hearing criticism of Lewis Hamilton last year

After the Ferrari ace claimed a maiden victory in red earlier this season at the Barcelona Grand Prix, Fittipaldi voiced his satisfaction with Hamilton’s bounce back, pinpointing the new set of regulations as the reason for the 41-year-old getting his mojo back.

Despite being unable to genuinely challenge Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 title, Hamilton has been among the top three in the drivers’ championship for the majority of the campaign, and Fittipaldi now feels a sense of vindication.

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“Last year, I was quite upset when people were criticising the move,” the F1 legend told Betway Insider. “Every driver, myself, Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, dreams of driving for Ferrari one day.

“Lewis has achieved everything there is to achieve with seven world championships. When he had the offer to go to Ferrari, it was great for him to accept a new challenge.

“Last year was about learning the team, and this year he shows he’s still extremely competitive. Ferrari and Fred Vasseur have a very good organisation.

“They make strategic mistakes like any other team as they and Lewis did at the weekend, but Ferrari is competitive now, and Lewis is running strong and showing his talent. I am very happy to see that.”

Asked whether he thinks Hamilton could potentially secure that elusive eighth world title next year with the Scuderia, Fittipaldi replied: “Next year they have a good chance, no doubt.

“Even Leclerc showed it; they are able to keep the tyres surviving longer than before. They still need to improve the car on all tyre compounds, but they are working on that for sure.”