Lewis Hamilton’s childhood aspiration to drive for Ferrari has turned into a challenging experience, marked by difficulties since joining the Scuderia.
This season, at 40 years old, Hamilton finally achieved his boyhood dream by stepping in for Carlos Sainz at Maranello. However, after 14 out of 24 races in the 2025 F1 season, Hamilton’s early smiles from January have faded.
Initially thrilled to be at Ferrari, each element of his new life in Maranello has lost its sparkle. Hamilton has even suggested Ferrari consider replacing him following a disappointing performance in Hungary.
Despite having more victories than any other driver at the Hungaroring, Hamilton qualified in P12, while teammate Charles Leclerc took pole. The event culminated in Hamilton finishing the race in P12, marking his worst result this season.
Hamilton Seeks Greater Strategic Influence with Ferrari
Despite calling himself “useless” and indicating that Ferrari “needs to change driver,” Hamilton remains determined to reverse his fortune. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, he is making a concerted effort to not just improve his own performance but also assist Ferrari’s development.
Hamilton has made his intentions clear to team principal Fred Vasseur and chairman John Elkann, pushing for significant changes. He has provided lengthy documentation outlining desired car modifications and has requested a more influential role in strategic decisions, utilizing his extensive experience.
Frustrating Strategic Errors by Ferrari
Hamilton joined Ferrari on a two-year contract with an option for 2027, aiming to contribute to the team’s adaptations for the 2026 F1 regulations. However, his struggles in 2025 have overshadowed his initial enthusiasm. Following the Hungarian GP, he stands sixth in the F1 drivers’ championship with 109 points, trailing Leclerc by 42 points.
Conditions like failing to score points in Hungary symbolize Hamilton’s toughest season yet; this marks the first time in his career that he hasn’t secured a podium in the first ten races. Additionally, strategic misjudgments from Ferrari during key moments, such as the Australian and Miami Grands Prix, have only compounded his frustrations.
