F1 news: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari struggles continue
Lewis Hamilton’s first year with Ferrari has fallen far short of expectations. 14 races in, he has yet to step onto the podium.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo reflects on the seven-time world champion’s words and struggles as F1 heads into its summer break.
Hungary frustration sparks retirement rumours
The Hungarian Grand Prix was a low point, where Hamilton qualified and finished twelfth at a circuit he once dominated.
Calling himself “useless” while speaking to the media, Hamilton’s raw self-assessment left fans and pundits wondering if retirement might be creeping onto his radar.
The British driver later doubled down on his criticism, suggesting Ferrari should “probably change driver,” a comment that sparked concern throughout the paddock.
Although Hamilton has always been tough on himself, the intensity of his remarks suggested deeper frustration.
This emotional response raised concerns about whether the seven-time world champion was beginning to question his place in the sport.
Team confidence remains firm
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, quickly dismissed the idea that Hamilton’s performance indicates any long-term decline.
According to Vasseur, Hamilton’s demanding nature is a hallmark of his success.
He noted that the gap between Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc during qualifying in Hungary was minimal and argued that the situation was blown out of proportion by the narrow margins seen in a hyper-competitive grid.
Vasseur believes that Hamilton’s struggles are more about adapting to Ferrari’s difficult SF-25 chassis than a loss of ability.
Even Leclerc, who has scored five podiums, has faced issues with the car’s inconsistency.
The weekend in Hungary was particularly telling, as Leclerc’s mid-race tyre adjustments affected his performance, dropping him from a likely win to fourth.
Still driven by unfinished business
Despite the poor results, Hamilton remains motivated by one clear goal: winning a record eighth world title.
Toto Wolff, his former Mercedes boss, insists Hamilton still has what it takes to compete at the top, especially with major regulation changes arriving in 2026.
The new technical rules will overhaul car design and engine systems, potentially resetting the competitive order.
Ground-effect cars, introduced in 2022, have not suited Hamilton’s style.
A return to more traditional dynamics could give him the machinery he needs to challenge again. Wolff believes Hamilton will benefit from these changes and urges him to remain in the sport.
Love for racing still burns bright
After the race in Hungary, Hamilton confirmed he has not lost his passion for F1.
While admitting to a tough weekend and off-track distractions, he stated clearly, “I still love racing.”
He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but seemed to indicate that he is not ready to walk away.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali echoed this sentiment. Calling Hamilton “a jewel” and “an incredible athlete,” Domenicali expressed full confidence that the Briton will come back stronger after the summer break.
He remains convinced that Hamilton’s dream of an eighth title is still alive.
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One chapter ends, another begins
Hamilton currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 109 points.
Ferrari hold second in the Constructors’ standings with 260 points, ahead of Mercedes by 24.
Despite the lack of personal success, his contributions to the team’s position cannot be ignored.
This season may not be the one that delivers Hamilton the historic title he’s chasing, but it is not the end of his story.
With regulation changes on the horizon and a competitive fire still burning, the final word on Lewis Hamilton’s legendary career has yet to be written.
