Lewis Hamilton, the renowned Formula 1 driver, has encountered a challenging start to his inaugural season with Ferrari. After departing from Mercedes, where he spent 12 successful seasons and secured six of his seven drivers’ titles, Hamilton has faced difficulties adapting to his new team. Despite a brief triumph in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, he has struggled to achieve consistent results, failing to finish higher than fifth place in any main event this year.
A recent study conducted by time2play has shed light on Hamilton’s underwhelming performance. According to the study, which evaluated drivers based on their total points, podiums, and races over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Hamilton ranked lowest among F1 drivers in terms of performance and value. The study also took into account each driver’s average annual salary to determine an overall underperformance or overperformance score.
Surprisingly, Hamilton topped the list of underperforming stars, with an average underperformance score of 4.2 points. This ranking is particularly notable given that Hamilton did not compete for Ferrari during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His current teammate, Charles Leclerc, who did represent Ferrari during this period, ranked third on the list with an underperformance score of 2.0 points.
The Ferrari duo’s presence on the list of underperforming drivers raises concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level. Notably, Hamilton and Leclerc are the only drivers on the list who currently hold full-time seats in Formula 1. The study’s findings suggest that the team’s struggles may be more profound than initially thought.
In contrast, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has been making waves with his impressive performances. According to the study, Piastri was named the F1 driver who overperformed the most, averaging over 194 points and 10 podium finishes across the last two seasons. Piastri’s strong form has continued into the 2025 season, with him currently leading the drivers’ championship ahead of his teammate Lando Norris and reigning champion Max Verstappen.
The study’s findings highlight the significant disparity between Ferrari’s performance and expectations. With both Hamilton and Leclerc struggling to meet expectations, the team faces a daunting task in regaining its competitive edge. As the season progresses, Ferrari will need to address the underlying issues hindering their performance and find a way to unlock their drivers’ potential.
The pressure is mounting on Hamilton to deliver results and prove his worth as a Ferrari driver. Given his reputation as a seven-time champion, Hamilton’s struggles have been closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike. The weight of expectation is high, and Hamilton will need to demonstrate his ability to adapt to the Ferrari machinery and lead the team to success.
In conclusion, the recent study highlighting Hamilton’s underperformance serves as a wake-up call for Ferrari. With both Hamilton and Leclerc struggling to meet expectations, the team faces a significant challenge in regaining its competitive edge. As the season unfolds, Ferrari’s ability to address these issues and unlock their drivers’ potential will be crucial in determining their championship prospects.
