Lewis Hamilton ‘Out of Answers’ Amid Ferrari S…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s highly-anticipated move to Ferrari has not unfolded the way many fans, pundits, or the seven-time world champion himself had envisioned. After joining the Scuderia in February, hopes were high that Hamilton’s vast experience and racecraft would finally help Ferrari end their long-standing championship drought. However, several months into the 2025 Formula 1 season, Hamilton finds himself mired in underperformance and searching for solutions in a car that hasn’t delivered on its promise.
Currently sitting sixth in the drivers’ championship standings, Hamilton trails his team-mate Charles Leclerc by 23 points. This gap reflects a worrying trend: the Briton has only outqualified Leclerc on two occasions all season and has yet to secure a single podium finish. In stark contrast, Leclerc has already notched up three podiums, clearly extracting more performance from the SF-25 than his illustrious teammate.
There were brief glimmers of hope early in the season. A sprint race victory in China reminded fans and critics of Hamilton’s class and race-winning instincts. That momentum seemed to build with a stirring drive in Imola, where he surged from 11th on the grid to finish a commendable fourth. For a moment, it looked like the tide might be turning. But the optimism proved short-lived.
Since Imola, Hamilton’s performances have dipped alarmingly. In Monaco, a circuit where he has traditionally excelled, he trailed home in fifth, over 50 seconds adrift of Leclerc. The frustration continued in Spain, where Ferrari had to issue team orders instructing Hamilton to let Leclerc pass, enabling the Monegasque to chase the leaders. Hamilton finished a disappointing sixth, even falling behind the Sauber of Nico Hülkenberg — a damning indication of how far off the pace he currently is.
These struggles have clearly taken a toll. In a post-race interview following the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton gave a notably downbeat and disheartened assessment of his performance, prompting concern from fans and commentators alike. Speaking on The F1 Show, Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby acknowledged Hamilton’s slump in form, stating: “I think he was hoping for such positive things, it’s not happened, and whichever way he looks, he cannot find answers.” Lead commentator David Croft added: “We were all hoping for more positives to be honest, especially after China in the sprint. He looked an absolute world-beater once again, he was so down on Sunday.”
Speculation has even emerged about whether Hamilton will see out his contract with Ferrari, which runs until the end of the 2026 season. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher recently suggested Hamilton might retire early, unable to contend with the challenges at Ferrari. However, David Croft dismissed such talk, reaffirming that while the pressure is undoubtedly mounting, Hamilton remains committed to the long-term project.
That pressure will only intensify as the season progresses. Ferrari, having narrowly lost the 2024 constructors’ title to McLaren, signed Hamilton in hopes his championship pedigree could push them over the line. But with Ferrari slipping back in the pecking order and Hamilton struggling to adapt to his new environment, their 2025 title aspirations already appear bleak.
Looking ahead, much of the focus will shift toward 2026, when new technical regulations are set to shake up the sport. Ferrari and Hamilton must use the rest of this season to build momentum and understanding if they are to be genuine contenders in the new era. For now, Hamilton’s hunt for that elusive eighth world title seems further away than ever — and both driver and team must urgently find answers if they are to reignite the spark that once made this partnership look so promising.
