Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari is proving to be a difficult campaign, as the British driver edges closer to the team’s longest podium drought record. After his early retirement on lap 22 at the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton has now gone 15 consecutive races without a podium finish for Ferrari, marking one of the most challenging periods in his career.
Closing In on a Historic Record of Podium Absences
This 15-race streak without a podium surpasses the previous mark held by Gilles Villeneuve, who went 14 races without a top-three finish. Hamilton now trails the record holder Didier Pironi, who endured a streak of 19 races without reaching the podium for Ferrari. Despite several near misses, including fourth place finishes at Imola, Austria, and England, Hamilton has yet to secure a spot on the podium this season.
Comparing Teammates and Current Form
Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, has experienced a comparatively better season with five podium finishes, although he also faced setbacks such as a crash at the Dutch Grand Prix. Both drivers have struggled for consistent results, which has been a disappointment given Ferrari’s historic stature in Formula 1.
Setbacks and Self-Criticism Define the Season
Apart from winning the sprint race in China, Hamilton’s season has largely been marked by frustration and underperformance. His crash in Zandvoort epitomizes the difficulties he has faced adapting to Ferrari’s car. The disappointment has led Hamilton to public self-criticism, where he described himself as “useless” and even suggested Ferrari should consider a different driver for the 2026 season after qualifying 11th in Hungary, while Leclerc secured pole position.
Hope for Redemption with Upcoming Regulations
Although Hamilton has shown occasional signs of better performance, challenges have often derailed his momentum. The start of the new season will bring regulatory changes, which may offer a fresh opportunity for Hamilton to regain his form and demonstrate his skill at the helm of one of Formula 1’s most iconic teams. His reputation and past achievements suggest he has the capability to bounce back despite the current struggles.
