Lewis Hamilton Ferrari struggles have become the central storyline of the 2025 Formula 1 season, as the seven-time world champion failed to secure a single podium finish during his inaugural year with Scuderia Ferrari. This shocking outcome marks the first time in Hamilton’s stellar career that he has ended a season without a single trip to the podium, which has raised eyebrows across the racing world.
Jock Clear, a former Ferrari performance engineer who has worked with Hamilton at both Mercedes and Ferrari, recently commented on Hamilton’s historic winless run and the challenging shift he has faced after joining the iconic team. Hamilton closed out the season 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who achieved seven podiums and captured a pole position, while Ferrari itself endured its worst campaign since 2021 without a single victory.
Jock Clear Examines the Nature of F1 Competition
Jock Clear acknowledged Hamilton’s challenges, emphasizing that even the sport’s biggest stars cannot simply expect immediate triumph.
“If Lewis arrived and just won an eighth championship, it sort of demeans or belittles the sport somewhat,”
Clear pointedly remarked—highlighting the competitive complexity of Formula 1. This perspective serves as a reminder for fans and critics alike that even legendary figures face unforeseen hurdles when switching teams or adapting to new equipment.
Drawing comparisons to Michael Schumacher’s lengthy path to success at Ferrari, Clear reminded the community that Schumacher’s own journey took five seasons before ultimate victory. Setting realistic expectations, he made clear that quick success, even for all-time greats like Hamilton, is far from guaranteed in such a demanding environment.
The Need for Patience and Time to Adapt
Further elaborating on the theme of difficult transitions, Clear referenced the initial struggles of Carlos Sainz during his 2025 debut at Williams. He pointed out that early optimism can quickly be replaced by skepticism, only for fortunes to change with time and perseverance.
“People were like: ‘Oh, what’s happened? I thought he was going to blow Alex Albon away.’ But look at him by the end of the year. It doesn’t happen overnight,”
Clear emphasized, underlining again that adaptation in Formula 1 is a long-term process.
Hamilton’s Own Reflections on a Challenging Year
Hamilton himself has openly discussed the emotional and physical toll of the 2025 season through a candid social media message on his 41st birthday.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this break. Time to disconnect, recharge and find a bit of inner peace,”
Hamilton shared, revealing how taxing the year had been and his intention to make necessary changes. His message resonated further as he advised,
“Even though the world can seem like a mess, I hope that you’re staying focused on living life to the fullest.”
What Lies Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
As Formula 1 fans and fellow drivers—including names like Charles Leclerc, Michael Schumacher, and Carlos Sainz—look on, the 2026 season looms as potentially pivotal for both Hamilton and Ferrari. At 41, Hamilton still has the drive and experience to mount a comeback, and the racing community is eager to see if he can surmount the adversity of his first Ferrari campaign.
The pressure is unmistakably rising, both on Hamilton and within the Ferrari camp. Whether this legendary driver can once again rise to the top of the Formula 1 world, or if this chapter will mark the start of a transition toward new contenders, only the next season will reveal.
