Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has not matched the high expectations set before the season began, as the seven-time world champion has yet to secure a podium finish in 2024. His struggles continued in the second half of the year, starting with a crash at Zandvoort followed by a five-place grid penalty at Monza due to a yellow flag infraction.
Despite starting fifth at Monza and recovering to finish sixth, Hamilton was unable to challenge for a podium spot. Ferrari currently holds second place in the Constructors’ Championship, but Red Bull’s strong showing at Monza threatens their position. The Scuderia is relying on inconsistent performances from rivals Mercedes drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Yuki Tsunoda to maintain their standing.
Eddie Irvine Criticizes Hamilton’s Approach Compared to Schumacher’s Experience
Discussing Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari, former driver Eddie Irvine suggested Hamilton overlooked the difficulties Michael Schumacher endured after joining Ferrari in 1996. Schumacher arrived after winning consecutive titles with Benetton, stepping into a Ferrari team that had only two wins from 1990 to 1995 and was far from a top contender.
Irvine, who was Schumacher’s teammate, believes Hamilton failed to appreciate the early challenges Schumacher faced before transforming the team into regular title contenders. Reflecting on Schumacher’s sacrifices, Irvine remarked,
“There is always a price. Michael gave up a lot, probably two or three world championships to leave Benetton to go to Ferrari,”
—Eddie Irvine, former Formula 1 driver
He added,
“In the first few years, nobody had any idea how bad it was at Ferrari. Michael knew there was no point for him because he was so much better than everyone else, he just decided, ‘I’m going to go there’ and it was amazing.”
—Eddie Irvine, former Formula 1 driver
Irvine also mentioned Max Verstappen, noting it would benefit Formula 1 if the Dutch driver made a team switch during his peak years.
Ferrari’s Outlook for 2025 and Future Developments
Ferrari, like other teams, has shifted focus to developing its 2026 car, preparing for significant changes in chassis and power unit regulations. This fresh start represents a critical opportunity to overcome the current setbacks similar to those Hamilton confronted during his final years at Mercedes.
Despite the difficulties, Hamilton remains fully committed to Ferrari. At Monza, he expressed how the passionate support from the team’s Tifosi continues to motivate him while racing through the field.
Commentator Martin Brundle has observed Hamilton coming to terms with teammate Charles Leclerc’s superior pace this year, with Leclerc leading their qualifying battles 12-4. This dynamic highlights the internal challenges Hamilton faces within the team.
The Impact of Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles on the Season
Hamilton’s struggles underscore the difficulty of transitioning to Ferrari at this stage in his career, especially when contrasted with Schumacher’s patient rebuilding process. Ferrari’s current formula may not yield substantial improvements until the new regulations arrive in 2026, leaving fans and the team awaiting a potential turnaround.
Maintaining second in the Constructors’ Championship amid rising competition from Red Bull and the unpredictability of rivals will be crucial for Ferrari’s 2024 campaign. Hamilton’s perseverance and the evolving intra-team competition with Leclerc remain key storylines as the season progresses.
