Lewis Hamilton Heads Back to London as Ferrari Struggles Continue
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated switch to Ferrari is quickly becoming one of the most challenging chapters of his legendary Formula 1 career. While fans hoped for a revitalized title push with the iconic Italian team, the reality has been far from a fairytale. With performances falling short and internal frustrations mounting, Hamilton’s transition is beginning to look like a nightmare—and now, with Ferrari’s crisis deepening, the British driver has returned to London, stepping away from the intense spotlight at Maranello.
Hamilton’s most recent race weekend in Saudi Arabia was another tough blow. He finished a disappointing seventh in Jeddah, trailing over 30 seconds behind his teammate Charles Leclerc in a race that spanned 50 laps. The performance gap was stark, and Hamilton’s post-race demeanor only added to concerns. Speaking to Sky Sports F1’s Rachel Brookes after the race, Hamilton looked visibly disheartened, even admitting that the car wasn’t to blame for his lack of pace. That revelation raised eyebrows and sparked deeper discussions about his mindset, motivation, and future in the sport.
The contrast to the brief optimism seen in China just weeks earlier couldn’t be more jarring. There, Hamilton managed to snatch a Sprint Race victory, giving fans and pundits alike a glimmer of hope that he was beginning to find his feet with Ferrari’s SF-25. But that spark was quickly extinguished in Jeddah, where the Briton seemed entirely out of sorts. Former F1 driver and pundit Ralf Schumacher didn’t hold back, even suggesting that Hamilton might walk away from the sport altogether if the situation doesn’t improve soon.
At 40 years old, Hamilton is no stranger to pressure or adversity. But the expectation surrounding his move to Ferrari was enormous. The team hasn’t won a drivers’ title since 2007, and bringing in a driver of Hamilton’s caliber was seen as a bold step toward reclaiming that glory. However, after just a handful of races in red, Hamilton’s presence has done little to stabilize the team’s performance—or morale.
As Ferrari scrambles to find answers before the Miami Grand Prix next weekend, Hamilton has returned to the UK for a previously scheduled appearance. On Friday, he was set to attend the grand opening of a new Fanatics Collectibles flagship store in central London. Located on bustling Regent Street, the event was a promotional opportunity where Hamilton would cut the ribbon and toss trading card packs into the crowd of fans.
While his appearance in London is tied to commercial obligations, the brief escape from the high-pressure environment at Maranello could prove beneficial. Hamilton, who has always valued moments of reflection and calm away from the racetrack, may use the time to mentally reset ahead of another tough race weekend. Some insiders suggest that distancing himself from Ferrari’s current internal tensions—even temporarily—might help him regain focus and perspective.
The core of Ferrari’s problem isn’t just performance—it’s also cohesion. The SF-25, touted as a significant evolution in design, has yet to deliver consistent results. While Leclerc has been able to extract more from the car, Hamilton continues to struggle with setup and confidence, often sounding perplexed in team radio messages and interviews. The gap between the teammates is growing, and the pressure on team principal Frédéric Vasseur is intensifying with each underwhelming result.
Ferrari fans, meanwhile, are growing restless. Many had hoped that Hamilton’s arrival would inject a fresh competitive edge and push the team closer to Red Bull and McLaren. Instead, the Prancing Horse appears to be galloping sideways—if not backward. The dream scenario of Hamilton challenging Max Verstappen in a Ferrari this season seems increasingly distant.
There’s still time for the tide to turn. The season is long, and Formula 1’s unpredictable nature means fortunes can shift rapidly. However, Ferrari must act decisively to close the gap to the front-runners. That includes optimizing race strategies, improving car reliability and balance, and most importantly, ensuring that both drivers feel supported and equipped to deliver their best.
For Hamilton, Miami represents another opportunity to prove that he still has the fire and talent to make a difference at Ferrari. But before that, perhaps a few days in London—reconnecting with fans, friends, and familiar surroundings—will give him the emotional lift he needs. One thing is certain: time is running out for both Hamilton and Ferrari to turn their season around.
