Hamilton: "We need to take it step by step this weekend"

Lewis Hamilton compared his former Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur to his former boss Toto Wolff. Hamilton noted that the two have very different management styles, saying, "But they're both great racers, so that makes them similar."

Hamilton also expressed his delight at Vasseur's contract extension with Ferrari: "I've always said Fred was the right person for this role. He brought me to Ferrari and everyone is happy."

Referring to the proposal documents he presented to the team, Hamilton stated that these documents contained suggestions, not orders, and that Fred approached them openly: “Our communication is very good. We exchange ideas on where we can improve.”

Hamilton, who also explained that he was a morale booster for Antonelli, said the young driver performed well under pressure. "It's very impressive to be this good at 18. I wasn't ready at that age. I always let him know I'm there for him," he said.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

Hamilton said Ferrari's latest updates had positive effects, emphasizing that the car still couldn't reach McLaren's pace but had potential: "Charles did a great job last week. The development process continues."

Hamilton, who praised the new facilities in Hungary, also stated that repeating his past successes at the track might be difficult. "We've been a long way from pole position this year. We need to take it step by step this weekend," he said.

Hamilton, addressing his past strategy mistakes, said he was proud of his tyre decision at Silverstone but that he was generally striving to improve in this area. "I've made the wrong decision many times, but I'm still learning," he said. "That's what makes progress possible."