Lewis Hamilton endured a challenging weekend at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, finishing far off the pace as concerns grow about his ongoing struggles at Mercedes. The seven-time world champion was unable to match the speed of teammate George Russell or the frontrunners, leaving fans and pundits questioning where Hamilton fits in the current Formula 1 landscape. With his move to Ferrari in 2025 already confirmed, attention is now turning toward whether the British driver can rediscover his form before the transition.
Hamilton’s lack of competitiveness in Jeddah was particularly stark, with his car seemingly “nowhere” in terms of race pace. Despite his efforts, he never looked capable of challenging for a podium, let alone a win. Mercedes’ persistent issues with balance and tire degradation continued to plague both drivers, but Hamilton appeared especially hampered throughout the weekend. His qualifying performance left him starting outside the top positions, and his race offered little opportunity to move forward.
Meanwhile, Ferrari continues to show improved performance and team chemistry, particularly between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. The pair have worked well together this season, with the Scuderia appearing more harmonious than in previous years. Sainz’s resurgence and Leclerc’s consistency have made it a tough environment to break into, raising early questions about how Hamilton will fit in when he joins the team next year. The relationship between Leclerc and Hamilton is also under the spotlight, with observers wondering whether the two can gel on and off the track.
Reports from within Ferrari suggest that while there is respect for Hamilton’s accomplishments, integrating him into the team dynamic may prove “very difficult.” The Italian outfit is known for its internal politics and unique culture, and blending a high-profile star like Hamilton into the fold isn’t guaranteed to be seamless. Engineers and strategists will need to adapt to Hamilton’s style while also preserving the current momentum that has been steadily building over the past two seasons.
As the season progresses, the spotlight on Hamilton will only intensify. Fans remain hopeful that he can deliver one last standout campaign with Mercedes, but the signs in Saudi Arabia were far from encouraging. More importantly, how he adapts to Ferrari’s environment—and how Ferrari adapts to him—could be the defining storyline of 2025. For now, though, Hamilton finds himself in a difficult position, both in terms of current form and future fit.
