Lewis Hamilton’s struggles in the 2025 F1 season have become increasingly evident, particularly following his recent clash with Max Verstappen at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The British driver, who is in his debut year with Ferrari, continues to face challenges both in qualifying sessions and race performances, leading to disappointment among fans and experts alike. Hamilton’s silence regarding the late-race incident with Verstappen has drawn strong criticism from former F1 driver Martin Brundle, who described the situation as a troubling sign for Ferrari’s future prospects.
At the Hungarian GP, Hamilton was involved in a contentious incident with Verstappen, prompting a post-race investigation by the stewards. Verstappen attended the meeting to provide his explanation, which ultimately helped him avoid any penalties. Meanwhile, Hamilton did not appear at the stewards’ inquiry, instead conceding through Ferrari, a decision Brundle argued reflected poorly on the seven-time champion and his team.
He (Lewis Hamilton) didn’t want to contest the incident and conceded via his team, but Max did attend the meeting with a rational explanation from his viewpoint, and avoided a penalty.
—Martin Brundle, Sky Sports Columnist
Ongoing Challenges Hamper Hamilton’s 2025 Season at Ferrari
Throughout the first half of the season, Hamilton has struggled to find consistent pace, especially during Saturday qualifying sessions where his performance has been noticeably below expectations. The 40-year-old driver has openly acknowledged the difficulties he faces but has yet to display a significant turnaround. His performance slump has kept him far behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, diminishing his chances of contending for the title late into the season.
Despite Hamilton’s efforts to remain resilient, the 2025 season’s mounting challenges have shifted his focus toward building momentum for 2026, when new regulations are expected to shake up the sport. For now, the summer break offers a moment of respite, during which Hamilton and Ferrari hope to regroup and improve in the latter part of the year.
Brundle Describes Hamilton’s Struggles as “Painful” to Witness
Martin Brundle expressed deep concern over Hamilton’s current form, emphasizing that watching the champion’s struggles with Ferrari has been difficult. The former driver lamented the decline in Hamilton’s confidence and results, cautioning that the current situation is unsustainable if it continues for the remainder of his contract.
It’s painful to observe this great champion in so much strife, and we have to expect that he can weather the storm and return to form given his talent and experience. But otherwise I simply can’t see him enduring two more seasons at Ferrari, or anywhere else, like this.
—Lewis Hamilton
Brundle’s assessment highlights the urgency for Hamilton and Ferrari to find solutions, as the remaining ten races of the 2025 season offer limited opportunity to salvage points and restore competitiveness. The team must balance short-term recovery with long-term development aimed at the 2026 technical overhaul in Formula 1.
Implications for Ferrari and Hamilton’s Future in Formula 1
Ferrari’s underwhelming results in 2025 have forced the team to concentrate on preparing for significant regulation changes next year, while simultaneously supporting Hamilton through a demanding period. The Briton’s self-critical remarks signal a need for mental and technical adjustments to overcome persistent challenges. Hamilton’s absence from the steward’s room at the Hungarian GP incident has also raised questions regarding his willingness to defend himself actively, contrasting sharply with Verstappen’s more assertive approach.
As teams gear up for a reshaped competitive landscape, how Hamilton recovers from this slump will be pivotal for Ferrari’s aspirations. Brundle’s commentary serves as a reminder of the pressure on both driver and team, suggesting that improvements are essential if Hamilton hopes to remain a leading contender in the sport.
