Lewis Hamilton Ferrari struggles became a defining theme in his debut season with the team, as Fernando Alonso’s consistent performances stood out for Aston Martin. In 2025, both accomplished champions found themselves in unfamiliar territory, but their years took on very different narratives within Formula 1 circles.
Hamilton, after his move from Mercedes, faced significant challenges with Ferrari’s inconsistent car, marking the first time in his career he completed a season without securing a podium finish. As Ferrari pivoted its focus toward the new 2026 regulations early in the year, the team’s performance suffered and Hamilton was unable to find his usual rhythm within the organization’s evolving systems and strategies. In stark contrast, Alonso managed to extract stable results from an Aston Martin car that, despite being less competitive, allowed him to collect important points, particularly in the final rounds of the championship.
Alonso’s notable finishes, including a fifth place at the Hungarian Grand Prix and sixth in Abu Dhabi, underlined his ability to maximize performance during crucial moments. Despite scoring only 56 points versus Hamilton’s 156, Alonso achieved these with a less capable AMR25, often outside the main competitive battle, while Aston Martin shifted preparations toward 2026 with a major structural overhaul involving new team principal Adrian Newey and a Honda engine partnership.
Paddock Debate: Has Hamilton Lost His Edge?
The contrast between the two veterans raised questions within the paddock. Ralf Schumacher, himself a former F1 driver, openly questioned whether Alonso could contend for the championship yet again given his current form.
“Why not? I think he’s still driving the car,” Ralf said in an interview with F1 Insider. “With Lewis, you sometimes get the feeling the car is driving him. Fernando seems relaxed, even when he gets out of the race car. Experience helps too, and Fernando has plenty of it. He’s incredibly motivated. And you wouldn’t guess he’s 44. He doesn’t even have any gray hair. I’m happy for him.”
Schumacher also reflected on Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari’s environment, noting that Hamilton’s legendary status has not always been paired with deep involvement in car setup. Schumacher argued that this could be a disadvantage when coming to grips with an unpredictable car, especially as Ferrari’s engineering team and culture represent a different challenge from what Hamilton experienced at Mercedes.
The impact of Ferrari’s early shift towards 2026 was profound: development slowed, the adaptation process for Hamilton was complicated by new processes and staff, and in the end, it was Charles Leclerc who delivered all of Ferrari’s seven podium finishes, contributing decisively to a fourth place finish in the constructors’ standings.
Meanwhile, Giancarlo Minardi, former F1 team principal, rejected claims that Hamilton’s age was a primary concern, using Alonso’s continued competitiveness as evidence that experience and longevity can still fuel results at the highest level of racing.
Aston Martin Prepares a New Era for Alonso with Technical Shakeup
Looking ahead, Aston Martin has embarked on an aggressive reset in preparation for Formula 1’s upcoming rules overhaul. The team completed initial assembly of its AMR26 at Silverstone before winter, bringing together technical staff from both Aston Martin and Honda to lay the groundwork for their future collaboration.
The AMR26 is scheduled to make its debut on February 9, with private pre-season tests set for Barcelona. Alonso remains with the team, partnered by Lance Stroll, as they transition towards a new chapter powered by Honda and steered strategically by Adrian Newey, who plays a leading role as team principal for 2026.
“First of all, I don’t think he’ll remain team principal forever. I imagine his new role is related to the fact that they’re still missing someone who isn’t yet allowed to work on the team. But for now, it’s a good idea to have him also be team principal. A lot will happen, especially at the beginning, and he’s incredibly good at understanding the connections at the track and, above all, reading the other teams’ cars,” Ralf added in the interview.
For Alonso, the 2026 season may represent the culmination of a long career, yet he has spoken positively of the structural alignment and support now present within Aston Martin. The involvement of Honda and technical leadership from Newey, combined with factory backing and a unified direction, signals the team’s intent to be a contender for major honors under the new regulations.
Shifting Tides: What the F1 Shakeup Means for the Road Ahead
As both Aston Martin and Ferrari set their sights on major transformations ahead of 2026, the spotlight remains fixed on how seasoned drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso will leverage their extensive experience amid rapid change. While Hamilton’s debut campaign at Ferrari was hampered by misalignment and underperformance, his reputation ensures that any return to form will be closely watched. Meanwhile, Alonso’s resurgence with Aston Martin, underpinned by technical changes and renewed ambition, hints at possible surprises as Formula 1 enters a fresh competitive cycle. The evolving storylines set the stage for an unpredictable and emotionally charged season to come.
