Lewis Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 campaign turned into a startling disappointment, as the seven-time world champion failed to achieve a single podium finish and ended the year sixth in the championship, trailing his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc by a remarkable 86 points. The unexpected turn of events surrounding Hamilton’s season has ensnared both critics and racing fans, further intensifying the scrutiny on his adaptation to the legendary Italian team.
Bright Start Fades Amid Ferrari’s Struggles
Hamilton’s highly anticipated arrival at Scuderia Ferrari was considered a seismic move by those in the paddock and enthusiasts alike, with hopes riding high that his expertise would spearhead a revival for the renowned team. The optimism gained momentum early in the season as Hamilton clinched a thrilling sprint win in Shanghai, celebrating his initial experience in the SF-25 car and briefly silencing doubts that had grown since his difficulties during the ground-effect era starting in 2022.
“I was really feeling it that weekend,”
Hamilton remarked, embracing the moment of triumph and keeping skeptics at bay.
Technical Challenges and Internal Rivalry Intensify Setbacks
The promise from Shanghai quickly dissipated as Ferrari’s 2025 car failed to deliver consistent performance. The team’s ambitious suspension redesign backfired, significantly complicating Hamilton’s efforts to adjust to a radically different machine after more than a decade with Mercedes. Reflecting on these difficulties, Hamilton noted in May,
“I came in with a really open mind… I knew it was going to be challenging. It’s as challenging as it could ever be on all fronts.”
As he adapted, Charles Leclerc, deeply embedded in the Ferrari environment since 2019, capitalized on his familiarity to elevate his results, while Hamilton faced an avalanche of obstacles.
Midway through the campaign, Ferrari’s management abruptly shifted its development focus to 2026 regulations, halting improvements on the 2025 car. This strategic pivot left Hamilton contending with a car not built around his driving style and forced him into midfield battles, far removed from his expectations as a champion. Despite flashes of competitiveness with fourth-place finishes in Austria and at Silverstone, and a third in the Miami sprint, Hamilton’s season deteriorated from August onward.
Series of Mishaps Deepen Hamilton’s Setbacks
The second half of the season saw a string of unfortunate incidents that punctuated Hamilton’s campaign. A crash at Zandvoort, difficulties with team orders in Baku, and a demoralizing trio of Q1 eliminations from Las Vegas to the Abu Dhabi finale further eroded his momentum. The mounting frustration was visible in his press appearances, marked by abrupt and terse responses in interviews as the weight of expectation—both his own and Ferrari’s—grew heavier.
The mood within the team was equally tense. Ferrari Chairman John Elkann, whose efforts were paramount in bringing Hamilton aboard, reportedly began to question the negative aura coming from the British driver. Hamilton’s mood reflected not just personal disappointment but the pressure from Ferrari’s 17-year title drought—a painful gap for both the team and its global fans.
Uncertain Future and New Opportunities on Horizon
With the 2025 season now closed, attention turns to the promise of 2026, when new F1 regulations are set to take effect and Hamilton is finally being involved in the development of Ferrari’s next-generation car. This fresh start could be a lifeline for Hamilton as he attempts to reclaim his place among Formula 1’s elite. However, if he fails to capitalize on next season’s opportunities, speculation about the future of his illustrious racing career may intensify.
The world of motorsport remains captivated by Lewis Hamilton’s roller-coaster first year with Ferrari. As fans and commentators alike await the coming season, the question remains whether Hamilton’s partnership with Ferrari can deliver a turnaround or if this chapter will mark a lasting shift in the decorated champion’s legacy of success. Only time will reveal if the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 2025 struggles are a brief setback or the start of a new, more challenging era for the British driver and his new team.
