Lewis Hamilton’s recent transition to Ferrari hasn’t begun as smoothly as anticipated.
- Charles Leclerc has outperformed Hamilton in every race so far this season.
- Lucas di Grassi raises questions about Hamilton’s enduring drive and motivation.
- Jenson Button notes a significant change in Hamilton’s demeanor compared to his past self.
- Hamilton currently trails behind his teammate Leclerc in the championship standings.
Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in 2025 was expected to reignite his illustrious career following a distinguished stint with Mercedes. However, the reality has been starkly different. Hamilton, now 40, finds himself trailing behind his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, in every race this season.
Leclerc has managed to secure the team’s only podium finish of the year, leaving Hamilton to reflect on the stark contrast to his expectations upon joining Ferrari. This struggle has led to observers, including former F1 driver Lucas di Grassi, questioning whether Hamilton still possesses the same hunger and dedication that fueled his earlier successes. Di Grassi shared his concerns about how Hamilton’s age and financial security could be impacting his zeal for the sport.
“I think it has to do with aging, but it also has to do with how hungry he is,” remarked Di Grassi. He continued, comparing Hamilton’s drive to that of tennis legend Rafael Nadal, highlighting the importance of relentless motivation to excel.
Jenson Button, another F1 veteran and Hamilton’s former teammate at McLaren, has also observed a transformation in Hamilton’s character. Button described him as being more calm and rounded now than during their days racing together. This change, in combination with the ongoing defeats to Leclerc, appears to weigh heavily on Hamilton, who is a natural competitor.
Currently, Hamilton sits in seventh place in the championship standings, two spots and 12 points behind Leclerc. It seems that adjusting from Mercedes to Ferrari machinery is taking time. Esteban Ocon, expressing empathy, related to Hamilton’s struggle in adapting to new equipment, suggesting that such transitions are complex even for seasoned professionals like Hamilton.
Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari highlights the challenges faced even by the greatest in the sport as they adapt to new environments and rivals.
