Lewis Hamilton May Exit Ferrari in 2025 Amid Struggles, Says Ralf Schumacher
Speculation is mounting that Lewis Hamilton could walk away from Ferrari before the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The seven-time world champion, who shocked the F1 world by switching from Mercedes to Ferrari this year, has yet to find success with the iconic Italian team. A difficult start to the season, combined with underwhelming performances and an apparent disconnect with the SF-25 car, has raised serious questions about his future.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was expected to be a career-defining final chapter, perhaps even one that would restore the Prancing Horse to championship contention. After achieving six of his seven world titles with Mercedes, many believed the British driver could deliver similar glory in Maranello red. However, just a few races into the 2025 campaign, things have taken a very different turn.
From the outset, Hamilton has struggled to adapt to Ferrari’s car and team dynamics. While Charles Leclerc has made the most of the SF-25’s capabilities—grabbing podiums and consistently finishing near the front—Hamilton has often looked off the pace. His most notable low point came during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Leclerc secured a third-place finish while Hamilton could only manage seventh. Post-race, Hamilton acknowledged the discrepancy: “Clearly the car is capable of being P3. Charles did a great job today so… I can’t blame it on that.”
These words reflected a growing frustration. Known for his mental resilience and adaptability, Hamilton has faced challenging transitions before—most notably when he left McLaren for Mercedes in 2013, a move that many doubted at the time. That switch ultimately led to one of the most dominant eras in the sport’s history. But his current stint at Ferrari is proving far more difficult. This time, the learning curve seems steeper, the environment less forgiving.
Ralf Schumacher, former F1 driver and current pundit, weighed in on Hamilton’s struggles during the Backstage Boxengasse podcast by Sky Sports Germany. Schumacher didn’t mince words, suggesting that Hamilton’s time at Ferrari could end sooner than anyone expected. “Lewis is used to being at the front, fighting for wins and championships,” he said. “At Ferrari, he’s not just battling with an uncooperative car, he’s dealing with a new team culture that may not be aligning with his expectations. If the results don’t improve soon, I wouldn’t be surprised if he walks away before the season ends.”
Adding to Hamilton’s rocky start with Ferrari is the stark contrast in team dynamics. While Leclerc has now spent seven seasons with the team and is deeply integrated into its structure, Hamilton is still adjusting to new engineers, strategies, and setups. Leclerc’s growing dominance within the team has also sparked concern that Hamilton might be relegated to a support role, something the champion driver is unlikely to accept quietly.
Despite these issues, Hamilton has shown flashes of brilliance. His sprint race win in China in March offered a reminder of what he’s capable of when everything clicks. That victory raised hopes among fans that he might still mount a comeback, but inconsistency has since overshadowed that moment. Rather than building momentum, his results have fluctuated, and the performance gap to Leclerc has widened.
Off-track matters haven’t helped either. Recently, one of Hamilton’s business ventures reportedly shut down, leading to job losses and negative headlines. While not directly related to his F1 career, the news has added to the perception that 2025 is becoming a particularly tough year for the British driver.
For now, Hamilton has made no official statements about quitting or retiring early. He has insisted in past interviews that he’s committed to helping Ferrari return to the top. But pressure is mounting. Ferrari is known for its demanding leadership and impatient fanbase. If Hamilton doesn’t deliver soon, there could be consequences.
It’s worth noting that Hamilton has made remarkable comebacks in the past. He’s no stranger to adversity, and his career is filled with moments where he proved critics wrong. The question is whether he can do it again—this time in a team and car that currently seem ill-suited to his style.
As the F1 season progresses, the spotlight will remain firmly on Hamilton. The next few races could determine not only the trajectory of his campaign but perhaps his entire future in the sport. If results don’t improve, an early exit from Ferrari—once thought unthinkable—might become a reality, ending a highly anticipated partnership in anticlimactic fashion.
