Lewis Hamilton‘s transition to Ferrari has been marked by mounting challenges, as the team’s once-promising outlook faded during the 2025 Formula 1 season. Under scrutiny from former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, Hamilton’s struggles have raised questions about his adaptation to the Maranello squad, firmly positioning Lewis Hamilton Ferrari struggles as a focal point this year.
Early Promise Turns into a Difficult Campaign
Heading into 2025, Ferrari was fueled by ambition after a close Constructors’ championship battle with McLaren in 2024, sparking hopes for a genuine title run. Hamilton joined the team as its star acquisition alongside Charles Leclerc, but the anticipated momentum quickly dissipated. Instead of fighting for victories, Ferrari slipped to fourth in the standings, failing to capture a single Grand Prix win.
This downturn was especially notable for Hamilton. Despite showing brief moments of recovery, he ended the season without a podium finish—a first in his extensive F1 career. In sharp contrast, Leclerc managed to secure seven podiums and was runner-up in both Monaco and Mexico, highlighting the gap between the two teammates.
Hamilton’s Approach Under the Microscope
Ralf Schumacher offered an unfiltered perspective on Hamilton’s adaptation challenges, pointing to the difference in how the British driver involves himself with car setup and technology compared to others. Speaking specifically on the mental aspect and his reluctance to alter his approach, Schumacher highlighted ongoing tension beneath the surface.
“Behind the scenes, you hear he doesn’t like simulators,”
he said in an interview with F1 Insider.
“And he’s still searching for that old driving feel. That tells me it’s not just age, but also a mental thing. He’s no longer willing to open up.”
– Ralf Schumacher, former F1 driver
“I know that feeling myself. Frederic Vasseur now hopes he’ll embrace the package more next year. I think the chances are slim. The car is becoming more twitchy. Leclerc can handle that. Hamilton needs stability at the rear,”
he added. – Ralf Schumacher, former F1 driver
For years, Formula 1 insiders and rivals have suggested that Hamilton relies heavily on instinct, performing at his best when the car fits his driving style but often struggling when pushed outside his comfort zone. According to Ralf Schumacher, this characteristic has become a visible weakness in his debut Ferrari season.
“Hamilton was never much of a setup tinkerer,”
he said,
“That was already known from his Formula 3 days. Toto Wolff always said at Mercedes: the drivers drive, the team does the setup. You can’t change that overnight. That’s a weakness. I find his statement interesting that only people who have never been as successful as him criticize him. He’s basically right, but a little more self-reflection would still do him good.”
– Ralf Schumacher, former F1 driver
Leclerc’s Adaptation Highlights the Contrast
The contrast between Charles Leclerc and Hamilton was evident throughout the season. Leclerc’s ability to adapt to the increasingly demanding and nervous Ferrari car allowed him to perform consistently, while Hamilton wrestled with confidence and rhythm throughout his campaign. This was underlined on the final points table, as Leclerc finished fifth with 242 points—finishing 90 points clear of Hamilton, who landed in sixth.
Communication Issues Add to Ferrari Woes
Alongside technical and adaptation hurdles, Hamilton faced persistent miscommunication with his Ferrari race engineer, Riccardo Adami. After over a decade working with Peter Bonnington at Mercedes—where their partnership delivered six championships—Hamilton’s working style was put to the test during this crucial reset at Maranello.
Integration was never truly smooth, with moments of tension surfacing over strategic decisions. One notable incident occurred at the Miami Grand Prix, when Hamilton publicly questioned the team’s hesitation regarding team orders, broadcasting the friction for all to hear. More challenges followed in Monaco, where confused radio messaging between Hamilton and Adami led to an on-track incident involving Max Verstappen and resulted in penalties that derailed his weekend. Frustrations flared again at other venues, including Abu Dhabi, with radio messages revealing ongoing strain.
Ralf Schumacher believes that the relationship itself became a major obstacle, ultimately impacting performance and morale within the Ferrari team.
Season’s Impact and What Lies Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s debut at Ferrari has proven turbulent, marked by adaptation hurdles, car instability, and communication breakdowns, underscoring the steep demands of bringing success to Maranello. For Ferrari, expectations of a title push gave way to struggles both on and off the track, with Charles Leclerc’s resilience providing the only consistent highlight.
Looking ahead, team principal Frederic Vasseur and those within Ferrari hope that Hamilton will acclimatize further and play to the strengths of both his driving and the evolving Ferrari package in the next season. However, doubts linger, with insiders and former drivers—including Ralf Schumacher—questioning whether the seven-time champion is prepared to make the necessary adjustments to reclaim his competitive edge. The coming year will be crucial for both Hamilton and Ferrari, as they seek a way forward from a season dominated by disappointment and unrest in the F1 paddock.
