Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari struggles: A season of setbacks, frustration, and flickers of hope
The 2025 Formula 1 season is nearing the halfway mark, and still, the fairytale that was supposed to be Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s story shows little signs of a happy ending.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo reflects on the seven-time world champions season so far as he navigates being a part of the Scuderia.
A rocky start to life in red
Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has been anything but smooth.
The seven-time world champion, who joined the Scuderia after a decade of triumphs at Mercedes, has encountered a steep learning curve that has left fans and pundits questioning whether this high-profile move can yield the success both parties had hoped for.
Nine races into the 2025 F1 season, Hamilton finds himself sixth in the Drivers' standings with 71 points, trailing his team-mate Charles Leclerc by 23.
Despite moments of promise, including a pole position and sprint race win in China, a Grand Prix podium has remained elusive.
The Spanish Grand Prix marked another low point. Despite qualifying ahead of Leclerc for just the second time this year, Hamilton's hopes quickly unravelled.
Struggling for pace in the opening laps, he was ordered to let Leclerc through, a decision that saw the Monegasque go on to finish third while Hamilton slipped to sixth, even losing a position to Nico Hulkenberg’s Sauber in the final laps.
A glimmer in the midfield: Hamilton’s Spanish GP woes
Hamilton’s post-race comments reflected a man at the end of his tether. “There’s something wrong with this car, mate. It’s the worst it’s ever been,” he radioed in frustration.
In his media interviews, he didn’t hold back, calling it a “terrible” day and suggesting the problem might lie with him rather than the car.
However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur later acknowledged there was, in fact, an undisclosed issue with Hamilton’s car in the final stint, which may explain his late-race struggles.
“The result is not good,” Vasseur admitted, “but he did 45 laps in front of Russell.”
The team remains tight-lipped on the specifics, but the acknowledgement offered a rare silver lining in an otherwise gloomy weekend.
“Punch drunk” and adapting: Coulthard urges patience
Former F1 driver David Coulthard, now a pundit with Channel 4, described Hamilton as appearing “punch drunk” amid the continued adaptation struggles.
Yet, he was also among the few to highlight a more optimistic narrative.
“There was a part of the race,” Coulthard noted, “where Lewis was matching Charles and looked like he was finally finding some rhythm.”
He pointed out that Ferrari’s strategy, while frustrating for Hamilton, is about pragmatism - prioritising the faster car in the moment, regardless of the name on the chassis.
Coulthard urged perspective.
Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari’s car philosophy, team culture, and setup demands was always going to take time.
And while early-season expectations have given way to stark reality, signs of pace in the middle stints hint that the Briton might yet find his footing.
A season at the crossroads
Hamilton’s slow start has sparked debate throughout the paddock and among fans.
Is this a case of a once-great champion struggling past his prime, or a temporary mismatch still working toward harmony?
At 40, Hamilton remains one of the sport’s most experienced and determined figures. But his transition to Ferrari is proving more difficult than anticipated.
The contrast with Leclerc - firmly in sync with the team - adds further pressure.
For now, Ferrari holds second in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing McLaren but ahead of Mercedes.
With upcoming races in Canada, Austria, and Silverstone, Hamilton will have familiar territory and opportunities to mount a comeback.
The road ahead: Montreal and beyond
The Canadian Grand Prix looms large as a potential turning point.
Hamilton has won at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve seven times and knows the track better than most. A strong showing there could provide the momentum shift he desperately needs.
Beyond Montreal, Hamilton must rely on close collaboration with Ferrari’s engineering team to unlock more consistent performance.
While frustration has boiled over on and off the track, there's still time to salvage the season and perhaps silence the doubters.
As the 2025 championship continues to unfold, the story of Lewis Hamilton in red remains one of the most compelling narratives.
Whether it ends in redemption or regret is yet to be written, but for now, one thing is certain: all eyes remain on the prancing horse and its newest rider.
