F1 Fans Label Lewis Hamilton the Biggest Disappointment of the Season So Far, Amid Ferrari’s Ongoing Struggles
Formula 1 fans have delivered an unexpected and rather unwelcome verdict on Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 campaign, voting him the most disappointing figure in the sport so far this season. According to a recent poll conducted by RacingNews365, Hamilton emerged as the top “negative surprise” among a selection of drivers and teams, garnering the highest percentage of fan votes.
While Hamilton did secure a morale-boosting sprint race victory in China, his overall performance throughout the season has raised serious concerns among fans and pundits alike. A particularly troubling run of form came during the early-season triple-header, consisting of the Bahrain, Saudi Arabian, and Japanese Grands Prix. During these races, the seven-time world champion looked visibly off the pace, struggling to get comfortable in the Ferrari SF-25.
The most glaring example of his struggles came in Jeddah, where Hamilton finished a staggering 31 seconds behind his team-mate Charles Leclerc. His demeanor after the race reflected a man searching for answers. Hamilton appeared despondent, admitting he was unsure of where to find the balance or pace in a car that continues to baffle him. Despite being one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport, his move to Ferrari, which was expected to revive his championship hopes, has so far failed to yield the desired results.
The fan poll was presented in an alphabetical format, listing drivers before teams, and included several options that have fallen short of expectations this season. Hamilton received 31.80% of the votes — a plurality rather than a majority — but enough to place him well ahead of the next most-voted candidates.
Trailing Hamilton by a considerable margin was Liam Lawson, who attracted 19.34% of the votes. The New Zealander had a brief and somewhat harsh experience in the Red Bull setup, being demoted after just two races despite showing glimpses of promise. Many fans likely felt his treatment was unfair, which could have contributed to his inclusion on the list of disappointments.
In third place was Red Bull Racing itself, securing 16.61% of the vote. Despite their recent dominance in Formula 1, the team has faced increasing criticism over various internal and on-track issues. From strategy blunders to rumors of unrest behind the scenes, Red Bull has not appeared as bulletproof as it did in past seasons. Their handling of driver changes and perceived favoritism within the team may also have contributed to fan dissatisfaction.
Hamilton’s current slump is particularly surprising given the massive anticipation that surrounded his high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari. The move, announced with great fanfare, was seen as a fresh start for the British driver after a frustrating final year with Mercedes. Fans and analysts expected the partnership with Ferrari to produce a reinvigorated Hamilton, eager to chase an elusive eighth world title. Instead, the first few races have revealed a persistent struggle to adapt to Ferrari’s handling and setup.
Ferrari itself has also come under the microscope, with recurring issues of inconsistency and poor race-day execution still plaguing the team. While Leclerc has managed to extract more performance from the car than Hamilton, even he has voiced concerns over the team’s inability to make significant strides forward. The SF-25 appears to be lacking the balance and responsiveness needed to challenge the likes of Red Bull or McLaren on a consistent basis.
Hamilton, known for his mental toughness and resilience, will undoubtedly be working hard with the Ferrari engineers to address the car’s shortcomings and get back on form. However, this fan verdict signals a growing impatience and frustration with his lack of impact so far. As the season progresses, pressure will mount on both Hamilton and Ferrari to prove that this high-profile collaboration can live up to its potential.
With the season still in its early stages, there’s ample time for Hamilton to turn things around. However, the road ahead is steep. His reputation as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history means expectations will always be high — and right now, many fans believe he’s falling far short of them.
