Formula 1 icon Sebastian Vettel has revisited a memorable moment from his career by sharing a throwback to his first victory with Ferrari, indirectly shining a light on Lewis Hamilton’s ongoing difficulties with the Scuderia. Vettel, who retired from F1 in 2022, reminisced about his breakthrough win at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix, highlighting the promise he once showed upon joining the Italian team. This contrast places Hamilton’s debut Ferrari season, marked by challenges and a lack of podium finishes, into sharper perspective.
Vettel’s Instagram post celebrated his maiden Ferrari victory at the Sepang International Circuit, describing it as one of his most meaningful wins. He recalled how unusual it was for him to switch teams and the relief that came with such an immediate success. This victory was only his second race with Ferrari, setting a high standard that Hamilton’s current campaign has yet to match.
“Since I joined the team, they have been phenomenal, welcoming me, and since then we have worked incredibly hard together trying to improve a lot of things.”
—Sebastian Vettel, F1 Driver (Retired)
Hamilton’s Ferrari Season Fails to Match Early Expectations
Unlike Vettel’s early success, Lewis Hamilton’s tenure with Ferrari has been plagued by struggles and unmet expectations. The seven-time world champion has yet to secure a podium finish in his first season with the Italian outfit. While Hamilton managed a sprint race win at the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix, this has not translated into comparable success in the main events.
Hamilton’s sprint win at Shanghai did offer a glimmer of hope, drawing faint parallels with Vettel’s early victory in Malaysia; however, after 14 races, Hamilton’s prospects for claiming a championship title with Ferrari appear increasingly uncertain. Observers suggest that despite his efforts, Hamilton’s adaptation to the Ferrari car and team dynamics has not met the standards expected for a driver with his decorated career.
Historical Struggles of Champions at Ferrari Raise Doubts About Hamilton’s Title Chances
Vettel is not the only champion to have faced setbacks at Ferrari—multiple world champions, including Fernando Alonso, have moved to the Scuderia but failed to clinch the drivers’ championship there. Vettel’s inability to win a title with Ferrari in part stemmed from the era of Mercedes dominance led by Hamilton himself, which made winning the championship even more difficult.
As Hamilton embarks on a similar journey, many wonder if he might confront the same challenges that his predecessors faced at Maranello. While his record at Mercedes remains exceptional, this transition has exposed the complexities of competing with a team that has struggled to meet a consistent championship-winning pace in recent years.
Vettel’s Legacy and Hamilton’s Future at Maranello
Vettel’s tenure with Ferrari saw him claim 14 grand prix wins and two runner-up finishes in the drivers’ championship, yet ultimately no titles. This history casts a long shadow over Hamilton’s current efforts, as his early results have not shown the decisive breakthroughs many hoped for. Nonetheless, Hamilton’s experience and resilience suggest he could still influence the Italian team’s progress in upcoming seasons.
The significance of Vettel’s throwback post lies not only in celebrating his personal achievements but also in underscoring the obstacles that Ferrari’s star drivers have repeatedly faced. Hamilton’s current challenges underscore the competitive pressures within Formula 1 and the demanding environment at Maranello, which continues to test even the sport’s greatest talents.
