Lewis Hamilton is given ‘six months’ warning over Ferrari’s…read more
Lewis Hamilton has been given a warning about the expectations awaiting him at Ferrari, with former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner stating that his “grace period” will be much shorter than many expect. Hamilton, who recently joined Ferrari from Mercedes on a multi-year contract, is gearing up for the 2025 F1 season. Despite his many years of outshining Ferrari drivers in the race for the World Championship, Hamilton received a warm welcome from Ferrari’s passionate fanbase, the Tifosi, when he debuted in the red Ferrari race suit at the Fiorano circuit.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is expected to be a significant talking point throughout the 2025 F1 championship, as he hopes to secure an eighth World title and make history with the iconic Maranello team. While Ferrari has reportedly given Hamilton a contract that runs for three years, Steiner believes the team and its supporters will not afford him an extended period of patience. Instead, he predicts that after just six months, the Tifosi and others will begin to demand results, and the “attacks” will follow if Hamilton isn’t delivering.
Steiner emphasized that Hamilton will be given a “period of time” to settle in, but it will be brief. The pressure to perform will ramp up quickly. He explained that the first six months will provide Hamilton some leeway, but after that, every decision and performance will be under scrutiny, and the criticism will intensify if results aren’t forthcoming. However, Steiner suggested that Hamilton should focus on making things work during that initial period, not worrying about potential backlash before it happens.
Despite the inevitable pressure, Steiner believes Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari was driven by his confidence that he can succeed. According to Steiner, Hamilton isn’t the type to enter a new chapter doubting its potential. He’s fully committed to making it work and isn’t wasting energy on thinking about what might go wrong. Instead, he’s channeling his efforts into ensuring his time with Ferrari is successful, starting with what is expected to be his best opportunity in 2025, given Ferrari’s progress before the new regulations take full effect.
The Tifosi will be hoping for a fast start from Hamilton, possibly even seeing him become the eighth Ferrari driver to win on debut when the season begins in Australia. Yet, Steiner’s comments suggest that Ferrari’s supporters will be quick to hold him accountable if his performances don’t meet their expectations. Hamilton’s challenge is clear: he must deliver within a tight time frame, as Ferrari’s passionate fanbase won’t hesitate to demand results.
