Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles: A Rocky Start t…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari in January 2025 was meant to be the next great chapter in the seven-time world champion’s illustrious career. However, just a few months into the new Formula 1 season, things are far from the dream scenario many had envisioned. Sitting seventh in the drivers’ standings and already trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by a massive 90 points, Hamilton’s start with the Maranello-based outfit has been underwhelming, to say the least.
The 40-year-old’s struggles have become more evident when compared to the performance of his new team-mate Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver has outqualified Hamilton in five out of six qualifying sessions and currently sits 12 points ahead in the standings. These numbers reflect a concerning trend for Hamilton, who left Mercedes with the ambition of reviving Ferrari’s title hopes and securing his long-pursued eighth world championship.
Adding to the pressure are the comments from his former Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who has thrived in Hamilton’s absence. Russell has secured all four of Mercedes’ podiums so far in 2025 and currently sits fourth in the championship, helping the team climb to second in the constructors’ standings. This strong performance starkly contrasts with Ferrari’s lackluster results, especially after finishing just 11 points behind the eventual champions in 2024. With McLaren emerging as the frontrunner this season, Ferrari appear to have lost their footing in the pecking order.
Russell expressed concern for Hamilton, suggesting that the veteran driver is not enjoying his time at Ferrari. “He’s a champion, he’s a winner, and he’s in a position where he can’t achieve that,” Russell said ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. “And it’s not easy to accept. If he was beaming with a big smile, you’d be questioning why he’s beaming with a big smile.”
Russell’s comments reflect not only empathy but also an understanding of Hamilton’s mindset. At this stage in his career, results matter more than anything else. “It’s not about the money, it’s about the results,” Russell added. “And it’s not clicking for him at the moment, but I’m sure it will click at one point.”
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari was always going to be challenging, but few expected it to be this tough. The SF-25 has underperformed across multiple circuits, failing to deliver the consistency and pace needed to challenge the top teams. While Ferrari had shown signs of resurgence in 2024, their 2025 car appears to have taken a step back. This has only added to Hamilton’s frustrations, particularly as he continues to struggle with adapting to a new team environment and machinery after more than a decade with Mercedes.
Hamilton’s current form also raises questions about his future. German racing legend Ralf Schumacher recently suggested that Hamilton might consider leaving Ferrari before the end of his contract. With Russell’s comments now echoing the sentiment that Hamilton is not enjoying himself, speculation is growing about whether the partnership can last.
For now, Hamilton remains committed to the project, but the clock is ticking. At 40 years old, he doesn’t have time on his side, and Ferrari must act quickly to provide him with a car capable of competing at the front. The team’s failure to do so could not only jeopardize Hamilton’s final shot at an eighth title but also damage Ferrari’s reputation as a top-tier racing outfit capable of attracting elite talent.
In the unforgiving world of Formula 1, patience is often in short supply. Hamilton’s struggles may just be teething issues in a new environment, or they could be symptomatic of a deeper mismatch between driver and team. Whatever the case, the next few races will be crucial in determining whether this partnership can rise from the ashes or if Hamilton’s Ferrari dream is destined to become a footnote in his storied career.
