Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, is encountering unforeseen hurdles after joining Ferrari for the 2025 season. After a historic 12-year run with Mercedes, Hamilton’s transition to the legendary Scuderia has not unfolded as planned. Thus far, he has struggled to match the pace of his impressive team-mate, Charles Leclerc, leading to concerns about his performance and future with Ferrari.
The Monegasque driver has consistently outperformed Hamilton in the season’s first five grands prix, with his best showing at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he secured third place behind Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. Ralf Schumacher, a former Formula 1 race winner, shared his analysis on Sky Sports Germany’s F1 podcast, Backstage Boxengasse, emphasizing the unexpected performance gap between Hamilton and Leclerc. Schumacher noted, “It’s a huge project, what Ferrari and Hamilton had planned. But at the moment, he’s a long way from Charles Leclerc – I wouldn’t have thought it would be this extreme.” He also mentioned that Hamilton still shows promise when conditions align to his strengths.
Hamilton’s struggle at Ferrari is particularly highlighted by his current position in the drivers’ standings; he occupies the seventh spot with just 31 points. His position trails behind rookie Kimi Antonelli, who took his place at Mercedes. Despite his current predicament, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur maintains there is no immediate reason for concern. However, whispers of Hamilton considering an exit if results and overall satisfaction don’t improve have grown louder, especially as the season progresses.
The British driver has been open about his ambition to return to regular championship contentions, a longing intensified by his challenging final seasons at Mercedes. With Hamilton’s determination, the potential for a turnaround remains, yet as it stands, the odds are stacked against him for a successful campaign this year. The mix of high expectations and underwhelming results has stirred speculation regarding his future, making it a pivotal time in Hamilton’s illustrious career.
The implications of Hamilton’s current struggles at Ferrari are significant, sparking debate over his future in the sport. As he navigates this difficult phase, the focus remains on whether he can harness his skills and experience to overcome current setbacks and reignite his championship aspirations. The unfolding story of Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is sure to capture the attention of Formula 1 enthusiasts worldwide.
