The beginning of the 2025 Formula 1 season has put the spotlight on Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s most successful driver, as he embarks on his journey with Ferrari. Despite the exciting potential this partnership holds, Hamilton seems to be facing challenges acclimating to his new team and car. With only five races completed, murmurs of concern have already started circulating.
Hamilton’s season began promisingly in China, where he clinched a pole position and a victory in the sprint race. Given last season’s pressures and his unfamiliar form, this achievement was a much-needed breakthrough. However, outside of the sprint events, Hamilton’s results have been less than stellar. In every Grand Prix to date, his teammate Charles Leclerc has consistently outperformed him, even maintaining a noticeable half-second lead in qualifying rounds. This performance gap has sparked speculation and criticism concerning Hamilton’s current form.
Contrary to the skeptics, Franz Tost, former AlphaTauri boss and now a consultant for Red Bull, offers a different perspective. He emphasizes that Hamilton’s struggle is merely an adaptation phase as he familiarizes himself with the intricacies of the Ferrari car. Speaking to F1-Insider, Tost suggested that such adaptation periods are natural, considering the complexity of modern F1 racing.
Hamilton himself has candidly acknowledged the challenges he’s facing with the vehicle. Following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he expressed skepticism about quick improvements throughout the season, highlighting the intricate nature of the sport. Tost has openly commended Hamilton’s transparency, noting that honesty is crucial in a sport that evolves at a rapid pace.
As the season progresses, Hamilton will undoubtedly aim for a turnaround, yet the pressure is mounting from Ferrari’s senior management. Every subpar performance adds more weight to his shoulders, pushing the seven-time world champion to defy odds and recalibrate his trajectory. The outcome of Hamilton’s adaptation at Ferrari remains to be seen, posing the question: is this a temporary setback or a lingering challenge?
