Lewis Hamilton’s age has become a significant factor in his difficult adaptation to Ferrari during the early months of the F1 2025 season, raising questions about his performance amid fresh challenges. The seven-time World Champion, who turned 40 in January, has experienced a rocky transition since leaving Mercedes, with the combination of age and adjusting to a new team environment weighing heavily on his results.
Sky F1 analyst and former Mercedes simulator driver Anthony Davidson remarked on this issue, stating that Hamilton
“has never been the same driver”
since the 2022 introduction of ground-effect aerodynamics, a shift that altered the dynamics of Formula 1 cars and demanded significant adaptation from drivers.
Challenges in the Ferrari Garage: Tensions and Adjustments
Hamilton’s initial period at Ferrari has been marked by tension and struggle, including strained communications with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami. Despite being F1’s most successful driver with seven championships and 105 race wins, Hamilton has only secured two victories since the 2022 regulations overhaul and Ferrari transfer. The pressure to meet Ferrari’s proud legacy along with the high expectations from the passionate Tifosi have compounded the difficulties he faces.
The veteran British driver himself admitted recently that life at Ferrari is
“not at all what I expected,”
describing the experience as
“more intense in so many areas.”
This viewpoint reflects how the adaptation period is taking a toll, both physically and mentally.
How Hamilton’s Performance Compares to His Teammate in 2025
The intra-team battle between Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, has become a focal point for evaluating his progress. Head-to-head qualifying and race statistics from the current season underline the competitive edge Leclerc holds, putting additional pressure on Hamilton to adjust rapidly and regain his earlier dominance within the team structure.
Davidson emphasized the magnitude of these demands, noting that Ferrari’s environment is a “pressure cooker” where expectations are sky-high not just from the team management but also from fans worldwide. Hamilton’s status as a seven-time champion amplifies this scrutiny, making his learning curve even steeper.
Adapting to Technical Changes Since 2022
The 2022 introduction of ground-effect cars revolutionized Formula 1, requiring drivers to rethink and modify their driving techniques significantly. Davidson pointed out that Hamilton has had to repeatedly reinvent his style throughout his career and is navigating yet another major adjustment. The complexity of transitioning from the previous car regulations, including different aerodynamics and tire behavior, is a crucial factor not only in Hamilton’s season but for the field as a whole.
Davidson added on Hamilton’s situation,
“For me, Lewis has never been the same driver since we saw the 2022 regulations come along and he’s had to work harder than ever before to rework his style that he’s done many times before in Formula 1.”
Regarding age, Davidson remarked:
“I don’t mind saying it because it’s the elephant in the room, and I’ve been there myself as a driver: age is a factor as well.”
He elaborated,
“I feel like this time of reflection for him, as an athlete ages, it does [affect performance].”
He described the natural progression athletes face as they grow older, highlighting how mental and physical considerations increasingly influence performance.
“You start asking yourself questions. It’s only natural,”
he added.
Hamilton’s Leadership Role and Drive for Ferrari’s Success
While Hamilton’s on-track results have been modest compared to his previous peak seasons, he has taken a proactive approach off the race circuit to help Ferrari improve. At the recent Belgian Grand Prix, the driver explained that he is immersing himself in leadership duties, holding meetings with senior team members and submitting detailed proposals on how to advance both the car’s development and the team’s internal operations.
Hamilton shared,
“The reason for it is that I see a huge amount of potential within this team. The passion? Nothing comes close to that.”
He acknowledged Ferrari’s organizational size and complexity, noting not all components are currently aligned for peak performance, which impacts overall results.
He emphasized his commitment to driving change, saying,
“So I feel that it’s my job to challenge absolutely every area, to challenge everybody in the team, particularly the guys that are at the top making the decisions.”
Hamilton highlighted Ferrari’s storied history of champion drivers like Kimi Räikkönen, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel, who despite their successes, never clinched a championship with the team. He stated firmly,
“And I refuse for that to be the case with me, so I’m going the extra mile.”
He also acknowledged the cultural differences between Ferrari and his previous teams but views this as an opportunity for new strategies and growth. Hamilton noted that pushing the team and its members to perform better is central to his mission, adding,
“They’ve been incredibly responsive. We’ve been improving in so many areas, through marketing and everything we’re continuously delivering for sponsors, the way the engineers continue to work.”
His determination to succeed at Ferrari remains steadfast:
“I’m here to win. And I don’t have as much time as this one here [Andrea Kimi Antonelli], so it’s crunch time.”
He concluded on his ambitions for Ferrari’s future, saying,
“I truly believe in the potential of this team. I really, really believe that they can win multiple World Championships moving forward.”
He summed up his focus, stating,
“They already have an amazing legacy, but during my time that’s my sole goal.”
What Lies Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari in 2025
Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 campaign with Ferrari is unfolding as a complex challenge that mixes the realities of time and transition. The intersection of age, new technical regulations, and cultural dynamics has created a difficult scenario for the British driver. However, his willingness to embrace a leadership role and work persistently behind the scenes signals a commitment to overcoming these hurdles.
The intense scrutiny from fans, teammates like Charles Leclerc, and the Ferrari organization itself will likely maintain pressure on Hamilton throughout the season. How successfully he manages this phase could determine whether he revitalizes his career or succumbs to the challenges posed by a new era in Formula 1 and his advancing age.
Ferrari’s future performance will also depend on how well the team responds to Hamilton’s inputs and if the significant car and organizational changes underway yield competitive gains. For now, all eyes remain on Hamilton as he balances the demands of his current Ferrari chapter against the legacy he continues to build in Formula 1.
