Lewis Hamilton Faces ‘Big Problem’ That Could Derail His Ferrari Title Dream
Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has been warned about a significant challenge that could hinder his chances of securing a championship with Ferrari when he joins the team in 2025. The seven-time world champion’s shock decision to leave Mercedes and sign with the Italian powerhouse was met with excitement, but former F1 drivers and analysts believe he faces an uphill battle to achieve instant success.
One of the biggest concerns raised is Ferrari’s long-standing inconsistency in delivering a competitive car capable of challenging Red Bull and Max Verstappen. While Ferrari has shown glimpses of pace in recent years, their struggles with race strategy, reliability, and development have cost them crucial opportunities.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has warned that Hamilton’s transition won’t be smooth, citing Ferrari’s unpredictable nature as a team. “Lewis has spent over a decade in a structured and familiar environment at Mercedes,” Schumacher told Sky Sports Germany. “Moving to Ferrari means adapting to a completely new culture, and history shows that even great drivers have struggled there.”
Another major issue Hamilton may face is internal competition. Ferrari’s current lead driver, Charles Leclerc, has established himself as the team’s golden boy and recently signed a long-term contract. While Hamilton brings immense experience, Leclerc’s deep understanding of Ferrari’s inner workings and aggressive driving style could create tensions similar to the infamous Fernando Alonso vs. Hamilton rivalry at McLaren in 2007.
Additionally, former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa believes Ferrari’s pressure cooker environment will be a major test for Hamilton. “Ferrari is not like any other team,” Massa stated. “The expectations from the tifosi and the Italian media can be overwhelming. Even great champions like Michael Schumacher had to build the team over time. If Hamilton expects immediate success, he might be in for a tough surprise.”
Another potential obstacle for Hamilton is Ferrari’s ongoing struggles against Red Bull. While the Scuderia has shown flashes of brilliance, Red Bull’s technical dominance under Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen’s near-flawless performances have kept them ahead of the competition. If Ferrari doesn’t produce a car capable of matching Red Bull’s pace, Hamilton could find himself in a situation similar to his final years at Mercedes—fighting for podiums rather than championships.
Despite these concerns, many believe Hamilton’s presence could spark a transformation within Ferrari. His leadership and experience could help push the team to refine its weaknesses, just as he did when he joined Mercedes in 2013. However, with time not on his side at 40 years old, Hamilton will need Ferrari to be at their absolute best if he hopes to claim an unprecedented eighth world title.
While the move to Ferrari is a thrilling prospect for fans, Hamilton’s path to success is far from guaranteed. Whether he can overcome these hurdles remains one of the most intriguing storylines leading into the 2025 F1 season.
