Ferrari Era Falters as Hamilton’s Silverstone Podium Streak Ends Abruptly
Lewis Hamilton’s long-standing dominance at Silverstone came to an unexpected halt last weekend, as the British Grand Prix marked the end of his impressive podium streak at his home circuit. For the first time since 2014, Hamilton failed to stand on the rostrum, finishing behind Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg, who secured a surprise third-place finish.
The result was particularly disheartening for Hamilton and Ferrari, who had shown glimpses of competitiveness throughout the weekend. Hamilton looked poised to challenge for pole position during Saturday’s qualifying session, showcasing a much-improved Ferrari SF-25. However, when it mattered most on race day, the team couldn’t deliver a car capable of sustaining podium pace.
Italian media were quick to analyze the result, with La Gazzetta dello Sport offering both praise and criticism in their evaluation of the seven-time world champion’s efforts. The newspaper acknowledged a revitalized and aggressive Hamilton, highlighting his lion-hearted performance in front of his home fans. “At Silverstone he transforms. With a still not perfect Ferrari he fights like a lion, but then stops at the foot of the podium,” the outlet reported. Despite his determination and improved driving, Gazzetta concluded that his performance, while spirited, was ultimately “not enough.”
The publication ranked Hamilton among the top performers of the race weekend, noting his resilience and improvement compared to previous outings this season. His fierce battle through changeable conditions and a tricky car setup was seen as a sign of his enduring class, even if the machinery beneath him failed to match his ambition.
Ferrari’s struggles were evident throughout the weekend, and Hamilton wasn’t the only driver to suffer. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, endured a torrid British Grand Prix, calling it one of the “most difficult races” of his career. The Monegasque driver made an early gamble by switching to slick tyres at the end of the formation lap, a move that backfired in the slippery conditions. He never recovered and eventually finished a disappointing 14th, after an off-track excursion at Maggotts and Becketts further ruined his chances.
La Gazzetta labeled Leclerc’s performance a “weekend to forget” and ranked him lower than Hamilton, who at least came away with the personal victory of outperforming his teammate. Still, the end of Hamilton’s nine-year Silverstone podium streak marked a symbolic moment — one that raised concerns about Ferrari’s ability to provide him with the tools needed to return to winning ways.
As Ferrari continues to chase Red Bull and McLaren at the front, the British Grand Prix served as a sobering reminder: even the most legendary drivers need a competitive car to succeed. And for now, Hamilton’s dream of a storybook resurgence with the Scuderia remains just out of reach.
