Lewis Hamilton’s ‘Handicap’ Under Scrutiny as Ferrari Struggles Deepen Under F… read more
Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season was meant to reignite his title challenge and restore Ferrari to its former glory. However, ten races into the campaign, the seven-time World Champion has found himself in unfamiliar territory – off the podium and out of contention, as Ferrari falters dramatically. Now, former Ferrari driver René Arnoux has publicly questioned whether Hamilton’s age is acting as a “handicap” in this new phase of his career.
At 40 years old, Hamilton is by far one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, but his performance this season has raised eyebrows. While his talent and racing intellect remain undeniable, the pace and adaptability that defined his dominance at Mercedes appear to have waned. Arnoux did not hold back in his assessment, claiming that Ferrari is “in a bad way” under team principal Fred Vasseur, and suggested that Hamilton no longer has the edge unless backed by a dominant car.
Ferrari had entered the 2025 season with high hopes. After a strong finish in 2024, missing the constructors’ title by just 14 points to McLaren, the Scuderia seemed poised to return to championship contention. The addition of Hamilton was seen as a power move – bringing experience, leadership, and a winning mentality to Maranello. However, the season has unfolded in the opposite direction.
After 10 rounds, Ferrari is trailing McLaren by a staggering 191 points in the Constructors’ Championship. Of greater concern is that all three of Ferrari’s podium finishes this year have come from Charles Leclerc, who has continued to outperform Hamilton despite being seen originally as the junior partner in the pairing. Hamilton, meanwhile, has not finished higher than fourth in any full-distance Grand Prix, with his only notable success being in the Sprint format – a clear sign that while he can deliver flashes of performance, sustained race-day competitiveness has been elusive.
The performance gap between the two Ferrari drivers has led to increasing scrutiny. Critics argue that Hamilton’s presence hasn’t elevated the team as expected. Instead, questions are being asked about whether his best days are behind him and if Ferrari took a gamble based more on Hamilton’s reputation than current form. Arnoux’s comments amplify those concerns, suggesting that Hamilton no longer has the reflexes or stamina to extract the maximum from a car unless it is vastly superior – something the SF-25 clearly is not.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team boss, is also coming under fire. Despite inheriting a promising structure and talent pool, results have not materialized. The car’s inconsistency, poor tire management, and subpar strategic calls have compounded the struggles. Critics say that Ferrari lacks a clear technical direction and assertiveness in leadership, and the Hamilton experiment has only highlighted those deficiencies rather than masking them.
Still, some observers argue that it’s premature to write Hamilton off. Formula 1’s history is full of experienced drivers delivering strong performances late into their careers – and Hamilton remains among the sport’s most intelligent and driven competitors. Moreover, the adaptation period at Ferrari is no small feat; a new team, different culture, and a car that doesn’t naturally suit his style may all be contributing factors.
Nonetheless, the pressure is mounting. Ferrari fans, known for their passion and high expectations, are growing restless. The romantic dream of Hamilton conquering F1 in scarlet red is being tested by harsh realities. Unless the second half of the season brings a dramatic turnaround, Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari risks becoming a footnote of underachievement in an otherwise legendary career.
As the championship heads into the summer stretch, the spotlight will remain fixed on both Hamilton and Vasseur. With McLaren soaring, Red Bull lurking, and even Mercedes showing flashes of recovery, Ferrari’s window to fight back is narrowing. Whether Hamilton can defy age and adversity once more – or if this really is the twilight of a remarkable F1 journey – is a question only the remaining races can answer.
