F1 Pundit Explains Why Lewis Hamilton Has Struggled at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season has been met with challenges, as the seven-time world champion has yet to secure a podium finish after 16 races. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, has consistently outperformed him, achieving five podium finishes and a pole position. This disparity has led to scrutiny from pundits and former drivers, who have offered various insights into Hamilton’s struggles.
1. Adaptation to Ferrari’s Technical Environment
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert suggests that Hamilton is on a “very slow journey” to becoming fully competitive against Leclerc at Ferrari. He notes that Leclerc consistently has a “slight edge” and can extract better results from the car, despite its overall performance. Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying are highlighted as a consistent issue, often placing him in difficult race positions and leading to strategic challenges. (The Independent)
2. Clash of Personalities with Ferrari Engineers
Juan Pablo Montoya believes that a clash of personalities between Hamilton and his Ferrari engineers may be contributing to his struggles. He points out that Ferrari’s engineers have been described as “stubborn,” which could hinder the necessary collaboration for optimal performance. Montoya suggests that Leclerc’s familiarity with the team dynamics has given him an advantage over Hamilton. (PlanetF1)
3. Age and Adaptability
At 40 years old, Hamilton’s age has been cited as a factor in his difficulties adapting to Ferrari’s car and team environment. Pundits have questioned whether his driving style and experience are fully compatible with Ferrari’s current technical direction. The challenges of adapting to a new team and car setup at this stage in his career may be more pronounced compared to earlier in his career. (ES Sports)
4. Underperformance in Qualifying
Hamilton’s underperformance in qualifying sessions has been a significant issue. For instance, during the Hungarian Grand Prix, he qualified 12th, describing himself as “absolutely useless” and suggesting that Ferrari should consider replacing him. This followed a disappointing 16th-place qualifying in Belgium. In 14 races this season, he’s failed to outqualify Leclerc in 10, trailing him by 30 points. (The Guardian)
5. Team Dynamics and Internal Support
Former F1 driver Arturo Merzario claimed that 90% of Ferrari’s staff opposed Hamilton’s move to the team, viewing it as a commercial decision rather than a strategic racing one. This lack of internal support may have impacted Hamilton’s motivation and performance, as he hasn’t landed a podium finish in 14 races and is trailing Leclerc by 42 points. (The Sun)
6. Public Criticism and Mental Resilience
Hamilton has faced public criticism for his performances, which may affect his mental resilience. Despite his achievements, the pressure to perform at Ferrari, coupled with external scrutiny, could be contributing to his struggles. Maintaining focus and confidence in such an environment is crucial for any driver.
F1 Pundit Explains Why Lewis Hamilton Has Struggled at Ferrari – Case Studies, Comments, and Examples
Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season has been marked by challenges, with the seven-time world champion yet to secure a podium finish after 16 races. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, has consistently outperformed him, achieving five podium finishes and a pole position. This disparity has led to scrutiny from pundits and former drivers, who have offered various insights into Hamilton’s struggles.
1. Adaptation to Ferrari’s Technical Environment
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert suggests that Hamilton is on a “very slow journey” to becoming fully competitive against Leclerc at Ferrari. He notes that Leclerc consistently has a “slight edge” and can extract better results from the car, despite its overall performance. Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying are highlighted as a consistent issue, often placing him in difficult race positions and leading to strategic challenges. (The Independent)
2. Clash of Personalities with Ferrari Engineers
Juan Pablo Montoya believes that a clash of personalities between Hamilton and his Ferrari engineers may be contributing to his struggles. He points out that Ferrari’s engineers have been described as “stubborn,” which could hinder the necessary collaboration for optimal performance. Montoya suggests that Leclerc’s familiarity with the team dynamics has given him an advantage over Hamilton.
3. Age and Adaptability
At 40 years old, Hamilton’s age has been cited as a factor in his difficulties adapting to Ferrari’s car and team environment. Pundits have questioned whether his driving style and experience are fully compatible with Ferrari’s current technical direction. The challenges of adapting to a new team and car setup at this stage in his career may be more pronounced compared to earlier in his career.
4. Underperformance in Qualifying
Hamilton’s underperformance in qualifying sessions has been a significant issue. For instance, during the Hungarian Grand Prix, he qualified 12th, describing himself as “absolutely useless” and suggesting that Ferrari should consider replacing him. This followed a disappointing 16th-place qualifying in Belgium. In 14 races this season, he’s failed to outqualify Leclerc in 10, trailing him by 30 points.
5. Team Dynamics and Internal Support
Former F1 driver Arturo Merzario claimed that 90% of Ferrari’s staff opposed Hamilton’s move to the team, viewing it as a commercial decision rather than a strategic racing one. This lack of internal support may have impacted Hamilton’s motivation and performance, as he hasn’t landed a podium finish in 14 races and is trailing Leclerc by 42 points.
6. Public Criticism and Mental Resilience
Hamilton has faced public criticism for his performances, which may affect his mental resilience. Despite his achievements, the pressure to perform at Ferrari, coupled with external scrutiny, could be contributing to his struggles. Maintaining focus and confidence in such an environment is crucial for any driver.
Conclusion
Lewis Hamilton’s challenges at Ferrari are multifaceted, involving technical adaptation, team dynamics, personal factors, and external pressures. While his transition has been difficult, it’s important to recognize the complexities involved in joining a new team, especially one with its own unique culture and technical approach. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how Hamilton will adapt and whether he can overcome these obstacles to return to his championship-contending form.