Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion known for his exceptional track record, is facing significant challenges during his first season with Ferrari. His ongoing Lewis Hamilton Ferrari struggles have stunned fans and experts alike, as the veteran driver has yet to reach the podium after 14 races, marking a stark departure from his usual top-tier performances.
At the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton qualified 12th, a disappointing result especially when compared to his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured pole position. This widening gap on the grid emphasizes the difficulties Hamilton is experiencing adapting to his new environment and machinery.
Internal Struggles and Public Vulnerability
Behind the scenes, Hamilton has expressed his frustrations plainly, calling himself useless and openly entertaining the idea of being replaced by Ferrari. His uncertainty about continuing into the 2025 F1 season was evident when he said, hopefully, I’ll be back, yet he remains resolute by insisting that
the fight’s not over – don’t count me out.
Reflecting on his time in Budapest, Hamilton hinted at deeper issues within Ferrari, revealing
a lot going on in the background that’s not great.
Former Ferrari driver Ivan Capelli, who raced for the team in the early 1990s, observes that Hamilton is grappling with a harsh new reality. Capelli notes,
He can’t find an answer to his driving problems,
and adds,
I saw him lose the smile he had in his eyes. What was his strength, which was to take the team by the hand in difficult moments, he can no longer do it.
This observation highlights a significant emotional and motivational change in Hamilton’s approach to racing this season.
Technical Difficulties Hampering Performance
In attempts to turn his fortunes around, Hamilton has taken proactive measures by submitting detailed proposals to Ferrari. These documents suggest changes ranging from car setup tweaks to improving communication across various departments and streamlining race weekend strategies. However, adapting to Ferrari’s distinct technical setup, particularly the engine braking system, has presented ongoing challenges.
Hamilton’s struggles were illustrated during the sprint qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix, where an unusual spin raised questions about his control over the SF-25 car. He attributed some of these difficulties to a newly introduced component, underscoring the complexity of Ferrari’s systems. Unlike Mercedes, which uses Carbon Industrie braking technology, Ferrari’s Brembo brakes affect Hamilton’s driving style and braking feel, contributing to his performance issues.
Uncertain Future Amid Technical and Team Challenges
With the 2025 season progressing toward the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Hamilton’s position remains uncertain. He has actively sought knowledge about Ferrari’s power unit to prepare for the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, aiming to mitigate the problems that have hindered him so far. The learning curve imposed by Ferrari’s braking system and car behavior continues to test the seven-time world champion’s adaptability.
In a sport where confidence and precision are crucial, Hamilton’s current difficulties serve as a vivid reminder that even the most decorated drivers are vulnerable. His journey this season has raised questions about whether he can overcome these obstacles or if this signals the start of a prolonged decline. Fans and the racing community watch closely, hoping Hamilton can reclaim his status among the elite or revealing if this internal conflict will persist.
