Lewis Hamilton ‘disappointing’ as ‘doesn’t seem anywhere near his best’ v… read more
The much-anticipated partnership between seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Scuderia Ferrari has not yet yielded the results fans and pundits alike were hoping for. With over half the 2025 season complete, Hamilton’s performances have come under increasing scrutiny, and former F1 driver-turned-analyst Jolyon Palmer has not held back in his latest assessment. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer labelled Hamilton’s campaign so far as “disappointing,” expressing concern that the legendary Briton is nowhere near his best form as he adjusts to life at Ferrari.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was seen as a seismic shift in the Formula 1 landscape. After spending 12 highly successful seasons with Mercedes—where he won six World Championships and broke countless records—Hamilton made the bold decision to join Ferrari in pursuit of an elusive eighth title. The deal was celebrated as a powerful statement of intent from both parties: Hamilton seeking new challenges and Ferrari hoping his pedigree would help bring them back to the summit of the sport. But as Palmer pointed out, things have not gone according to plan.
“You have to say it’s been disappointing, let’s be honest,” Palmer remarked, highlighting not just Hamilton’s individual struggles but the overall underperformance of the Ferrari team. “He doesn’t seem anywhere near his best, and Ferrari as a whole look miles away from where they need to be.” Those words reflect a broader sentiment that, despite the immense investment—both financially and in terms of reputation—Ferrari’s bold move has not paid early dividends.
Hamilton currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship standings, trailing behind not only his main rivals like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, but also his own teammate Charles Leclerc. In stark contrast, Leclerc has secured four podium finishes this season, proving that the SF-25 car, while inconsistent, is capable of front-running performances in the right hands and under the right circumstances. The comparison between the two drivers is becoming more difficult to ignore, and it adds pressure on Hamilton to deliver.
The fact that Hamilton has yet to score a single podium in Ferrari red is particularly telling. Known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and consistency over the years, this season marks an uncharacteristically quiet stretch for the British superstar. His race pace has been solid on occasion, but he has struggled with qualifying and has often found himself caught in midfield battles rather than challenging for wins or even top-three finishes. Ferrari’s tactical indecision and reliability woes have not helped, but even then, the expectation was that Hamilton’s experience would compensate for some of those shortcomings.
Palmer’s assessment also included a broader reflection on Ferrari’s status in the championship race. Once again, the Scuderia find themselves trailing behind the likes of McLaren and Red Bull. McLaren, in particular, have emerged as the Constructors’ Championship leaders, surprising many with their consistent upgrades and strategic brilliance. Ferrari, despite bringing in Hamilton, still seem like a team in transition—caught between the past glories they yearn to recreate and the mounting realities of an ultra-competitive modern F1 field.
Nevertheless, there is reason to believe that Hamilton’s best with Ferrari may still lie ahead. Historically, he has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and grow stronger over the course of a season. At Mercedes, there were years where he began sluggishly only to come roaring back in the second half. Additionally, Hamilton and his team have frequently emphasized the long-term nature of this partnership. It is not just about 2025, but about laying the groundwork for a future in which Ferrari becomes championship contenders once more—with Hamilton leading that resurgence.
Hamilton himself has remained composed in the face of criticism. While he’s acknowledged that the season has been frustrating, he has also spoken positively about the atmosphere at Ferrari and the potential for growth. “This is a process,” he recently said. “Of course, I want to be fighting for wins, but we’re learning every week, and I truly believe we’ll get there.” These are the words of a driver who’s been through F1’s highs and lows and still believes in the mission.
As the season enters its second half, all eyes will be on whether Hamilton can turn things around. With his immense experience, mental strength, and technical skill, writing him off would be premature. However, for the time being, Palmer’s verdict serves as a stark reminder of just how high the expectations are when a driver of Hamilton’s calibre joins the most storied team in Formula 1 history. Ferrari wanted a spark—what they’ve gotten so far is a slow burn. The question now is whether that flame will ignite before it’s too late.
