Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated switch to Ferrari in 2025 has not yielded the success many expected, with the seven-time World Champion facing mounting doubts about his ability to outperform his teammate Charles Leclerc. The ongoing Lewis Hamilton Ferrari struggles 2025 season have prompted former F1 driver and current Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle to question whether Hamilton can get the better of Leclerc, especially after a difficult debut season.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari was met with celebration and hope, but he managed only a single notable achievement by winning the China Sprint. Despite this, he failed to secure a podium in any main Grand Prix throughout the year. In contrast, Charles Leclerc cemented his position as Ferrari’s lead driver, collecting all seven of the team’s podiums and finishing the campaign 86 points clear of Hamilton.
Brundle Says Results Do Not Favor Hamilton Over Leclerc
Martin Brundle, reflecting on Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari, voiced concerns about the legendary driver’s future prospects. Brundle remarked,
“The trouble is his stats and his reputation is not being enhanced with this,”
Martin Brundle, F1 driver & Sky pundit. According to Brundle, Hamilton’s performance so far hasn’t matched the standards he set throughout his illustrious career.
Despite these setbacks, Brundle remains optimistic about Hamilton’s determination to continue into the 2026 season, which will feature sweeping changes to technical regulations. Brundle explained,
Image of: Lewis Hamilton
“But I would have thought he will wait and see if Ferrari get it together for 2026, see how he’s going, see how they’re going, if he’s enjoying it,”
Martin Brundle, F1 driver & Sky pundit. He emphasized that a premature retirement appears unlikely:
“I think if we were asking that [retirement] question a year from now, when he’s had a difficult season… I would be very surprised if he just switches it off this winter.”
Martin Brundle, F1 driver & Sky pundit.
2026 Brings Fresh Hopes with New Regulations
The upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season will bring a radical overhaul to both chassis and engine rules, which presents new opportunities for Ferrari and Hamilton. These regulation changes have the potential to shake up the competitive order and give teams an advantage if they adapt quickly. However, even if Ferrari develops a car capable of contending for the championship, lingering questions remain over whether Hamilton, who will turn 41 ahead of the next season-opener, can harness its full potential against an in-form Leclerc.
When asked directly if he believed Hamilton still possessed the skillset needed to outpace a driver of Leclerc’s caliber, Brundle gave a blunt assessment:
“Not on this year’s results, no,”
Martin Brundle, F1 driver & Sky pundit. Nonetheless, Brundle did leave the door open for improvement:
“But, let’s see how he copes with the way the cars… They’re going to handle completely differently next year.”
Martin Brundle, F1 driver & Sky pundit. This suggests that the upcoming regulatory changes may offer Hamilton the chance to turn things around.
Rosberg Identifies Hamilton’s Qualifying Woes
Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg, provided additional insight into Hamilton’s difficulties this season. Rosberg pinpointed the qualifying sessions as a particular area of weakness for Hamilton, commenting,
“His great struggle this year was qualifying pace,”
Nico Rosberg, 2016 World Champion. He elaborated that Hamilton still exhibited flashes of brilliance during races, but fell short on Saturdays.
Rosberg remained hopeful that changes in 2026 could help Hamilton rediscover his edge in qualifying, stating,
“With the cars being so different next year, maybe he can find some of that old magic again in qualifying. So the hope is still there.”
Nico Rosberg, 2016 World Champion.
Hamilton Not Distracted by First-Year Challenges
Despite a disappointing first year and the internal competition at Ferrari, Hamilton has maintained a philosophical approach about his adaptation period and prospects for 2026.
On whether the 2025 season’s results were affecting him, Hamilton clarified,
“I’m not concerned about it, no,”
Lewis Hamilton, F1 driver. He explained that while Leclerc has the advantage of familiarity and a long-standing team around him, Hamilton is still adjusting to a new environment, with frequent changes within his direct support group. He highlighted that building cohesion takes time:
“So, we’re all working as hard as we can, but getting that to work as well as someone that’s had it for several years is not… you don’t just do it like that. It takes a bit of time.”
Lewis Hamilton, F1 driver.
The Road Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
The difficult 2025 season has left Hamilton and Ferrari with much to address, particularly in matching Leclerc’s consistency and maximizing qualifying performance. Yet, both the driver and his supporters see the 2026 regulation changes as a new chapter that could play to Hamilton’s strengths if both he and Ferrari adapt well.
World Champion figures like Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg remain divided on Hamilton’s ability to once again become the principal threat for Ferrari, but acknowledge the upcoming changes may tip the scales. Until the new cars hit the track in 2026, the debate over Hamilton’s future in the sport—and his rivalry with Leclerc—will remain a focal point in the paddock and beyond.
