Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari in 2025 has been marked by persistent disappointment, having failed to achieve a podium finish in the first 14 races. The British driver’s underwhelming performances culminated in a harsh self-assessment following the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he openly criticized his driving form. Despite this, former Formula 1 driver Christian Danner has cast suspicion on Hamilton’s remarks, suggesting that the 40-year-old may have staged his apparent struggles to send a strategic message.
Throughout the Hungarian GP weekend, Hamilton appeared noticeably uncompetitive, with poor results in both qualifying and race sessions. His public self-reproach seemed unusually severe, prompting Danner to question the authenticity of Hamilton’s confidence issues. The German driver pointed out that the extreme level of self-punishment and the suggestion that Hamilton had “forgotten how to drive” did not align with his usual demeanor.
A Lewis Hamilton who punishes himself so much, pretends to have forgotten how to drive… That almost looked a little exaggerated to me.
Christian Danner said via Motorsport-Magazin.com
Danner went further, interpreting Hamilton’s behavior as more of a deliberate performance designed to highlight problems within Ferrari rather than true self-doubt. He argued that Hamilton’s public admission of frustration seemed contrived to “sensitize the world” about the issues Ferrari is facing, while internally, the veteran driver maintained confidence in his abilities.
It was like staging a little more than it actually is to sensitise the world, which knows I’m not that bad. I’m pretty sure that was wanted by Hamilton and wasn’t honest. He didn’t honestly doubt himself. It can’t be, it doesn’t fit in with him.
Christian Danner added
Implications of Hamilton’s Attitude on Ferrari’s Current Struggles
Danner interprets Hamilton’s candid public admissions as an indirect critique aimed at Ferrari management. The team has struggled this season, with results falling short of expectations, and Hamilton’s unusually negative comments could be a deliberate signal to the Italian outfit. According to Danner, Hamilton’s mood and tone at the Hungarian GP were markedly different from his usual resolve, indicating deeper tensions within the Ferrari camp.
Danner suggested that Hamilton intended to ensure Ferrari’s leadership understood that he is fully aware of the team‘s ongoing issues, even those not openly discussed. He implied that Hamilton wanted to warn the team that their internal atmosphere was far from positive as they attempt to recover from recent setbacks.
To show those at Ferrari: if you think I don’t know what’s going on, then you’ll be surprised. There is no good mood, no good atmosphere and no good prospects for the future.
Christian Danner noted
Ferrari’s Position in the 2025 Season Amid Performance Challenges
Despite Ferrari’s current difficulties, the Italian team remains in second place in the constructors’ championship standings, trailing behind McLaren. The performance gap, however, has been a major concern, as Maranello struggles to deliver a car capable of consistently competing at the front. This lack of competitiveness has compounded Hamilton’s frustrations, who is yet to capitalize on his considerable experience and skill this season.
The pressure is mounting on Ferrari to not only resolve their technical and strategic shortcomings but also to provide Hamilton with machinery that matches his championship-winning pedigree. Without significant improvements, the team risks slipping further behind in the title fight, and Hamilton may continue to experience his current difficulties.
Broader Context and What to Watch Next
Christian Danner’s remarks highlight the potential psychological gamesmanship at play within Ferrari and the wider Formula 1 paddock. Hamilton’s public self-criticism might be a calculated move to provoke a response and push his team toward changes that improve results. This episode also underscores the immense pressure on Ferrari and its drivers, as well as the challenges faced by a seven-time world champion adjusting to a new environment.
As the 2025 season progresses, attention will focus on whether Ferrari can close the gap to McLaren and how Hamilton’s form evolves. Improvements in car performance and internal team dynamics will be critical for both to remain contenders. Observers will also be watching whether Hamilton’s apparent candidness continues or if his tone shifts as the season advances.
