In the 2023 Formula 1 season, Charles Leclerc has significantly outperformed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, raising concerns among fans that Hamilton’s golden years may be behind him. After joining Ferrari, Hamilton initially showed promise by securing pole position and winning the sprint race in China at Round 2, but since then, his performance has drastically declined, showcasing a troubling trend.
Hamilton’s struggles with the SF-25 car have been evident, as he has consistently lagged behind his teammate Leclerc in both qualifying and race pace. The statistics are alarming: Hamilton, renowned for his record 104 career poles, has failed to out-qualify Leclerc in every session since the Shanghai race. His discomfort with the car has become increasingly apparent, leading to growing frustration among his supporters.
The gap in performance has widened each weekend, with Hamilton finishing behind Leclerc in multiple races. Fans have taken to social media platforms like Reddit, where detailed telemetry analysis indicates that Hamilton is particularly struggling in medium- and high-speed corners, a crucial area where Leclerc excels. Additionally, reports suggest that Hamilton lacks confidence in the brakes, resulting in earlier braking points compared to Leclerc, which costs him valuable time on the track.
One particularly distressed fan expressed the prevailing sentiment among Hamilton’s supporters, stating, “We might not see Lewis win again (I really hope we do), but the trajectory he is on makes it doubtful.” This quote encapsulates the collective anxiety regarding Hamilton’s future in F1, as fans witness a once-dominating driver grappling to keep pace.
Another fan drew a stark comparison between Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, who previously made way for Hamilton at Ferrari but now races for Williams. Despite Williams’ recent performance struggles, some believe Sainz may secure victories ahead of Hamilton in the future. One fan confidently asserted, “Carlos will definitely win again. I trust him and James Vowles,” highlighting their faith in Sainz’s potential amidst Hamilton’s decline.
This shift in fortune raises questions about Hamilton’s long-term prospects in Formula 1. A notable issue is his difficulty adapting to the new ground-effect cars, as his driving style has been more aligned with the turbo-hybrid era, where he thrived. The introduction of new regulations planned for 2026 offers a glimmer of hope for Hamilton, who might find a configuration more suited to his racing approach.
As the season progresses, the narrative surrounding Hamilton is increasingly one of concern. The once-reliable performance and swagger of a seasoned champion have given way to uncertainty, leading fans to wonder if Hamilton’s glory days are indeed over, while Leclerc shines brightly on the racetrack. This rivalry not only underscores the fierce competition in F1 but also raises intriguing questions about the future of these two extraordinary drivers.
As fans await the next races, the pressure intensifies for Hamilton to regain his form and challenge Leclerc, who appears to be establishing himself as a leading figure in the sport. The F1 community is left pondering the implications of these performance disparities and what they might mean for the iconic career of Lewis Hamilton.
