Hamilton’s Struggles at Ferrari: A Look into the Current Situation
Recently, a friend of mine, a devoted supporter of Lewis Hamilton, remarked, “Lewis is in free fall, isn’t he?” This observation came shortly after I received comments from former F1 driver and current pundit Johnny Herbert, who has become a frequent source of commentary on various topics, often linked to betting websites.
Herbert suggested that Hamilton has lost direction within Ferrari and that the team should focus on Charles Leclerc, who is 13 years younger and represents their future. This perspective gained traction following Hamilton’s sixth-place finish in the Spanish GP, which, but for Max Verstappen’s penalty, would have been seventh. Meanwhile, Leclerc managed to secure another podium finish.
Post-race, Hamilton described the experience as “the worst he had ever experienced”—not a flattering label considering it was his 365th F1 race. His ongoing struggle to adapt to his new environment after leaving Mercedes is becoming increasingly evident, prompting concerns from fans.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton’s dedication is unquestionable; he is diligently exploring Ferrari’s operations at their Maranello factory, often working late into the night to analyze data aimed at improving performance. Nevertheless, the elements necessary for his success remain elusive, as observed by both his supporters and commentators like Herbert.
Hamilton’s promising start with Ferrari during the winter has now faded into the background, instilling doubts about his aspirations for an eighth World Championship. Wins in the sprint race in China and his post-race exhilaration in Imola seemed to signal a positive shift, but they now appear to have been fleeting moments of optimism for even the most ardent fans.
Historically, F1 champions like Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel have faced similar hurdles upon joining Ferrari, hoping for glory but finding it elusive. The question arises: why is Hamilton struggling? The answer is complex, involving setup issues and the challenges posed by moving from a UK team to one in Italy.
Currently, Hamilton ranks sixth in the drivers’ championship, 23 points behind his teammate. While some might see this as an end to his dominance, it’s important to recognize that his transfer to Ferrari was aimed at preparing for the new regulations in 2026 and potentially achieving that elusive eighth title. Even his most fervent supporters are beginning to question whether this dream will materialize. Will this be the start of the end for Hamilton in a sport he has long dominated? Only time will tell.
