Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles Show F1 Pundit’s Warnings Had been Justified
Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile change to Ferrari was heralded as essentially the most vital driver switch in Method 1 historical past. As winter gave method to the 2025 season, anticipation soared as Hamilton formally started his journey with the legendary Italian staff.
Regardless of the chilly and damp circumstances, hundreds of devoted F1 followers traveled to Fiorano to witness Hamilton’s first take a look at behind the wheel—regardless that it befell in an older, two-year-old automotive. His look at Ferrari’s season launch occasion in London was met with thunderous applause, making it clear this was greater than only a profession transfer—it was a union between essentially the most profitable driver in F1 historical past and the game’s most iconic staff.
The early momentum solely intensified. Former driver and Sky Sports activities F1 pundit Karun Chandhok described the thrill round Hamilton as bordering on the unreal, a sentiment that peaked when the seven-time world champion clinched victory within the Dash race throughout the Chinese language Grand Prix weekend—simply days after making his debut in purple.
Nevertheless, the optimism that originally surrounded Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter has shortly light. Since his early success, the 40-year-old has confronted a string of difficulties. A disqualification in China for a technical infringement was the primary main blow, and he has failed to complete throughout the prime six in two of the final three Grands Prix. Qualifying performances have additionally been underwhelming, additional underscoring the uphill battle he now faces.
Whereas Sebastian Vettel has urged followers and critics alike to not depend Hamilton and Ferrari out simply but, even Hamilton himself acknowledged after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that the remainder of the season would doubtless be painful. With a contract that spans solely two years, Hamilton’s evaluation suggests his time at Ferrari might be a minimum of half marked by disappointment.
One voice who now seems vindicated is Ralf Schumacher. The Sky Germany pundit stood out throughout the pre-season hype for providing a uncommon cautionary be aware about Hamilton’s transfer. Whereas some dismissed Schumacher’s feedback as an try to stir controversy or speculated that he would possibly really feel uneasy about Hamilton doubtlessly eclipsing his brother Michael’s document, the early outcomes now lend weight to his considerations.
Amongst Schumacher’s preliminary warnings was a prediction that Hamilton would require six to eight months to correctly acclimate to the Ferrari setup. That estimate is proving to be strikingly correct. Hamilton continues to wrestle with the SF-25, unable to harmonize his driving model with the automotive’s distinctive calls for—a scenario paying homage to Michael Schumacher’s personal difficulties throughout his return to F1 in 2010.
Ralf Schumacher additionally foresaw an inner problem from Charles Leclerc, stating that the Monegasque would keep management throughout the staff. To date, the statistics help that declare: Leclerc leads the qualifying head-to-head by 4 to 1 and has additionally outperformed Hamilton in each race the place each drivers have been labeled.
Including to the complexity is an rising communication hole between Hamilton and the Ferrari staff. Observers have famous a transparent disconnect over the radio, with Hamilton reportedly requesting extra detailed suggestions throughout observe and qualifying classes than his engineers sometimes present. Ferrari’s method has been to attend till debriefs within the storage to debate knowledge—an method that displays a cultural and operational mismatch nonetheless ready to be resolved.
This disconnect, together with Lewis Hamilton’s wrestle to adapt his driving method, factors to deeper systemic points that transcend simply on-track efficiency.
Fan sentiment is starting to fracture as properly. Amongst Hamilton’s loyal base—also known as ‘Group LH’—opinions are cut up. Some stay steadfast of their perception that he deserves extra time to regulate, whereas others are already starting to precise doubt and disappointment.
Chandhok himself has come underneath fireplace from Hamilton supporters, particularly after calling the Briton the “oops” of the weekend following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Feelings surrounding this historic partnership are operating excessive, and whereas ardour is anticipated, it hasn’t all the time taken constructive types.
In the long run, whereas Lewis Hamilton’s dream transfer to Ferrari could but bear fruit, early indicators recommend that Ralf Schumacher’s skepticism was extra than simply punditry—it was prescient evaluation.
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
