Lewis Hamilton, one of Formula 1’s most successful drivers, is enduring an unusually difficult 2025 season with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion’s aspirations to restore success to the Scuderia appear increasingly out of reach, prompting F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to address what he describes as a Lewis Hamilton moment of weakness.
After the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton openly expressed frustration, describing himself as ‘absolutely useless’ for Ferrari and urging the team to consider his replacement. His challenges continued after the summer break, culminating in a crash during the Dutch Grand Prix held in wet conditions.
Insights into Hamilton’s Unexpected Early Struggle
Stefano Domenicali suggested that Hamilton’s difficult start to life at Ferrari was unforeseen, given his vast experience and confidence in what he could contribute. The F1 CEO characterized Hamilton’s candid admission in Hungary as a rare glimpse into the personal struggle behind the scenes, calling it “a moment of human weakness.” Domenicali believes that while the situation feels overwhelming to Hamilton, it may not be as complex as the driver perceives.
“It’s clear that he didn’t think he would have such a difficult start to the season, considering the experience he had and what he thought he would bring to the team. I was struck by that moment of humanity when he made that statement to the press in Hungary. It was a moment of human weakness, because it is in a context that he thought was complicated, but not that complicated.” —Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO
Before his crash at the Dutch GP, Hamilton had shown signs of progress. Following qualifying, the 40-year-old revealed adjustments that improved his performance on track. This positive outlook was confirmed by former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve, who noted that Hamilton remained optimistic despite the collision.
The Mental Challenges Facing Hamilton in 2025
Formula 1 drivers frequently confront high pressures from all sides—including fans, their teams, and self-imposed expectations. For a driver of Hamilton’s stature, the demand to contend for victories is ever-present, while Ferrari looks for strong results to revive their championship ambitions. Amid this, drivers must maintain focus and drive the car to its full potential.
Domenicali highlighted that this difficult period could instigate a cycle of negative thinking for Hamilton. He emphasized the importance of confronting these mental hurdles without becoming overwhelmed. According to Domenicali, Hamilton’s talent remains unquestioned, and Ferrari must engage in frank discussions to help the driver realize that he is not trapped in a hopeless situation but rather capable of reclaiming his brightness on track.
“He must not let himself be carried away by bad thoughts, because he is great and he must continue. When you are faced with certain champions you don’t have to say so much. It is necessary to look into each other’s eyes and speak with the soul, with a gesture that it needs from an emotional point of view. There is no need to explain everything to him, but it is enough to make him understand that everything is not dark around him and it is he who must illuminate.” —Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO
Assessing Hamilton’s Current Status and What Lies Ahead
Despite his present struggles, Lewis Hamilton remains one of the most accomplished drivers in F1 history. His ongoing difficulties with the SF25 vehicle have introduced mental and emotional stress, affecting his confidence and performance. The upcoming Italian Grand Prix is expected to be a pivotal moment in assessing whether Hamilton can regain momentum in his 2025 campaign.
As the pressure mounts, how Hamilton contends with these internal and external challenges will significantly influence both his season and Ferrari’s prospects. The situation serves as a reminder of the human element embedded even in top-tier sports, where champions like Hamilton face vulnerable moments under extreme scrutiny.
