Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025 turned into a season of bitter disappointment, with the seven-time world champion unable to claim a single Grand Prix podium and consistently trailing behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. The focus keyword, “Lewis Hamilton Ferrari debut struggles,” echoes through the paddock, as former rival Nico Rosberg unleashed a scathing assessment of Hamilton’s form and Ferrari’s turbulent year.
High Hopes Crash Amid Early Ferrari Setbacks
After a legendary run with Mercedes that saw him rise alongside icons like Michael Schumacher, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari was met with soaring expectations from fans and the motorsport world. The hope was that his proven skills and relentless drive would quickly elevate Ferrari back to championship contention. Yet, the reality in Maranello could not have been more jarring for the Brit.
In 2025, Ferrari revealed the SF25—the car meant to reignite their championship ambitions. Instead, it offered little support for Hamilton, who battled all season with issues related to balance, grip, and raw pace. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc adapted much better to the machinery, wringing out seven podium finishes, exposing the gap between the two drivers.
This struggle for Hamilton was not just on paper; his challenges were tangible on track. The seven-time champion, used to front-running performance and a finely tuned team at Mercedes, never seemed at ease with the new car or environment. The adaptation to Ferrari’s culture, processes, and technical priorities created friction, leaving Hamilton without a single podium celebration all season—a first in his storied career.
Rosberg Delivers Scathing Assessment of Hamilton’s Season
Nico Rosberg, who fought Hamilton tooth and nail during their Mercedes days, kept a close eye on every turn of Hamilton’s rocky path with Ferrari. After a costly error in Free Practice 3 at Abu Dhabi, Rosberg chose blunt honesty in his analysis on Sky Sports UK:
“The situation has worsened from week to week. It was clear how uncomfortable he was in the car. When have we ever seen Lewis spin during a normal lap in a free practice session? In his entire career, we’ve never seen anything like it. And now, at Ferrari, he’s making several mistakes. He simply doesn’t feel comfortable in that car.”
– Nico Rosberg, World Champion
Rosberg’s critique did not stop there, as he described the season as an outright disaster for Hamilton:
“It’s been a terrible season for him, and it’s not a fitting way to end his career. It couldn’t get any worse, it’s a real nightmare. He’s the best, there’s no doubt about that, but this season leaves a stain on the memory we’ll have of him.”
– Nico Rosberg, World Champion
These comments from Rosberg, one of Hamilton’s most knowledgeable rivals, have only amplified the intense scrutiny facing both the British driver and the Ferrari team leadership as they review what went wrong in 2025.
Strategic Shift and the Uncertain Road Ahead
Ferrari’s decision midway through the season to stop developing the SF25 and turn attention to their 2026 car placed further strain on both drivers. With no major updates after April, both Leclerc and Hamilton were left to wrestle consistent results from a car that was falling behind competitors. This was reflected in the results after the summer break, where Ferrari managed just two podiums—both courtesy of Leclerc.
The team’s focus now turns to 2026, when significant changes to F1 chassis and engine regulations promise a reset for all teams. Despite the pain of his debut year with Ferrari, Hamilton maintains that there are no regrets about the early development shift. Both he and Leclerc remain determined to compete for future success, seeing 2025 as a tough learning experience rather than a final verdict on their era together at Ferrari.
The intense scrutiny following Lewis Hamilton Ferrari debut struggles sets the stage for an urgent comeback narrative. As new rules level the playing field for 2026, Hamilton and Ferrari will face monumental pressure to deliver, aiming to repair reputations and chase the results that eluded them in a turbulent debut campaign.
🚨| Rosberg: “2025 a stain on Hamilton's career. It's not a worthy way to end his career”
— Nico Rosberg criticized his former teammate Lewis Hamilton, who ended his first year at Ferrari without any podium finishes. Speaking to media, Rosberg remarked:
“The situation has… pic.twitter.com/BUjaocyy6e
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) December 28, 2025
