Lewis Hamilton, following his high-profile move to Ferrari after a dozen years at Mercedes, aims to secure a podium spot this Formula 1 season, although he believes it will not significantly affect his overall standing. Despite early expectations around his transition to the legendary Italian team, Hamilton’s performance has yet to reach the anticipated success.
The seven-time World Champion claimed a surprising pole-to-flag sprint victory in China during the second round, but his season’s highlights remain limited. Hamilton’s difficulty adapting to Ferrari’s car and engine has kept him from adding to his career total of 202 podiums, with his team-mate Charles Leclerc outpacing him firmly in points and podium finishes.
Performance Comparison: Hamilton and Leclerc in 2025
This season, Hamilton’s top achievements were three fourth-place finishes, while Leclerc secured five podiums, leaving the Monegasque 44 points ahead in the Drivers’ Championship. The disparity sees Hamilton placed sixth and Leclerc fifth, highlighting a challenging rivalry within the team.
In the lead-up to the summer break, Hamilton openly expressed frustration after three consecutive qualifying sessions without reaching Q3, describing himself as “useless” and implying a potential need for team changes.
Vasseur’s Confidence in Hamilton’s Podium Prospects
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur remains optimistic about Hamilton’s ability to reach the podium before the season ends. After the Italian Grand Prix, Vasseur cited Hamilton’s recent battles on track as evidence of improving form, particularly noting the British driver’s competitiveness against George Russell at Zandvoort and Monza.
Yes, we can expect him to be on the podium.
— Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
Hamilton Downplays the Podium’s Importance to His Season
While Hamilton welcomes the idea of finishing in the top three during the remaining seven races, he admits it would not alter the trajectory of his championship campaign significantly.
It would be nice, but it’s not really going to change much for me,
he stated.
At 40 years old, Hamilton understands that qualification plays a crucial role in podium chances and has so far qualified within the top ten only twice in the last five grand prix weekends.
Focusing on performance improvements within current limits, he acknowledged the absence of any significant upgrades expected this season, as the team’s attention shifts to next year’s car.
I mean, I would give anything for an upgrade, but obviously we don’t have that to focus on next year’s car, so we just have to do better in optimising and execution.
— Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari Driver
Looking Ahead: The Challenge of Missing a Podium in Hamilton’s Career
If Hamilton fails to secure a podium this season, it will mark the first time in 19 years he finishes a Formula 1 campaign without a top-three finish. This potential milestone signals both the struggles he faces adapting to Ferrari and the highly competitive nature of the current F1 grid.
As the remaining races unfold, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s ability to rise to the challenge and justify the hope expressed by Fred Vasseur, while continuing to battle against rising teammates and rivals like George Russell and Charles Leclerc.
