Lewis Hamilton's transition to Ferrari has been far from the fairytale many anticipated, and a bizarre, unwanted record is looming as the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses. While expectations were sky-high, the reality has been a struggle for both Hamilton and the Scuderia, leading to increasing scrutiny and frustration.
As the summer break arrives, Hamilton finds himself in an unfamiliar position. For the first time in his illustrious F1 career, he hasn't secured a podium finish in the first 14 races of the season. His best result remains a fourth-place finish, a far cry from the victories and championship battles he's accustomed to. This barren run has sparked concerns about his future in the sport, with some suggesting that retirement might be a consideration.
Adding to the disappointment, Hamilton has been consistently outperformed by his teammate, Charles Leclerc. Leclerc holds a 10-4 advantage in qualifying and has outraced Hamilton in 11 of the 13 races they both finished. While the margins have been close at times, particularly after the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton has struggled to extract the maximum from the Ferrari SF-25. Data analysis suggests that a driving trait involving slightly more brake pressure in high-speed corners might be upsetting the car's balance, hindering his performance.
The struggles extend beyond individual performance, as Ferrari grapples with inconsistency and internal challenges. Despite showing flashes of promise, such as Leclerc's pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the team has yet to secure a race win this season. Technical issues, strategic missteps, and apparent tensions within the team have contributed to their inability to challenge McLaren's dominance. Hamilton himself alluded to "a lot going on in the background," further fueling speculation about the team's dynamics.
The pressure is mounting, with Ferrari facing a tight battle with Mercedes for second place in the Constructors' Championship. However, Leclerc has emphasized that the team's priority should be on winning races, even if it means sacrificing valuable wind tunnel testing time for future car development. This win-at-all-costs mentality reflects the urgency to turn things around and salvage something from a disappointing season.
The lack of podiums and consistent performance has led to public self-criticism from Hamilton, with comments like "I am absolutely useless". This honesty, while perhaps intended to motivate the team, has drawn criticism from some quarters. Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, for instance, argued that legends like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna would never express such sentiments, as it demoralizes the team.
Despite the challenges, there's a sense that Hamilton is not giving up. Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur insists that Hamilton's frustration stems from his high standards and unwavering desire to win. Vasseur believes that Hamilton's demanding nature is a key reason for his success and that he remains a valuable asset to the team. Leclerc also expressed optimism, stating that he wants both himself and Hamilton to succeed and that he believes the second half of the season will be more positive.
As the season resumes, Hamilton and Ferrari face immense pressure to improve. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether they can overcome their struggles and avoid the unwanted record of a winless season with no podiums for Hamilton. While the challenges are significant, the combined talent and determination of Hamilton and Ferrari could still produce a turnaround, though time is running out.
