Lewis Hamilton Admits ‘Not Doing Good Enough Job’ at Ferrari Amid Struggles in Debut Season
Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton has made a candid admission about his performance with Ferrari so far this season, stating that he is “not doing a good enough job” after a challenging start to his first year with the Scuderia.
The seven-time world champion, who made a sensational move from Mercedes to Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season, has yet to find his footing in the iconic red car. Despite high expectations surrounding the transfer, Hamilton has faced difficulties adjusting to the SF-25’s unique characteristics, and currently sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship after four races, well behind the leading pack.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend, Hamilton did not shy away from taking responsibility for Ferrari’s lukewarm start to the season.
> “I haven’t been doing a good enough job,” Hamilton said. “There are a lot of new things to adapt to – new people, new systems, a different car philosophy – but ultimately, I hold myself to a very high standard. I know I can deliver more, and right now, I’m not there yet.”
Hamilton’s admission comes after a series of underwhelming performances in the early part of the 2025 season. While his teammate Charles Leclerc has managed to claim a podium and remains within striking distance of the title contenders, Hamilton’s best finish has been a fourth place in Bahrain. He struggled with setup issues in Australia and suffered from poor tire strategy in Japan, finishing outside the top five on both occasions.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur has publicly backed Hamilton, emphasizing that the team remains confident in the veteran driver’s ability to turn things around. “We knew this transition would take time,” Vasseur stated. “Lewis is one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. He brings incredible experience and insight, and we are fully committed to helping him get comfortable with the car and environment.”
Hamilton, 40, is no stranger to overcoming adversity in his career. From his dramatic title wins with McLaren and Mercedes to his narrowly-missed eighth title in 2021, the Briton has built a legacy on grit and resilience. However, the Ferrari challenge is proving to be one of the toughest tests of his storied journey in motorsport.
“I didn’t come to Ferrari thinking it would be easy,” Hamilton admitted. “This is a team with so much history and expectation, and I want to be part of bringing them back to the top. But right now, I need to dig deep, work even harder, and keep pushing with the team.”
Hamilton also highlighted the importance of building chemistry with his engineers and understanding the nuances of the Ferrari car, which has a different aerodynamic and power unit philosophy compared to the Mercedes machinery he drove for over a decade.
Fans have shown mixed reactions to Hamilton’s early performances. While some have expressed frustration over the lack of immediate results, others have urged patience, recognizing the challenges of transitioning to a new team at this stage in his career.
With 18 races still remaining in the 2025 season, Hamilton and Ferrari have time to mount a comeback, though the margin for error is rapidly narrowing as rivals Red Bull and McLaren continue to show strong pace.
The next few races will be critical for Hamilton as he seeks to reassert his presence on the grid and prove that his move to Ferrari was not just a bold switch, but one that can still deliver results.
> “I believe in this team. I believe in myself,” Hamilton said. “I didn’t come here to fade out. I came here to fight. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.
