Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is not proving as smooth as expected, raising concerns over his performance.
- Hamilton departed Mercedes after 12 years to join Ferrari, aiming to refresh his career and contribute to Ferrari’s title hopes.
- Despite a victory in China, he’s struggled to keep up with teammate Charles Leclerc and has had a series of underwhelming performances.
- Karun Chandhok described Hamilton’s situation as ‘critical’ due to inconsistency and challenges in adapting to the new car.
- The upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, where Hamilton has previously excelled, is seen as a crucial opportunity for him to showcase a turnaround.
When Lewis Hamilton decided to leave Mercedes after a celebrated 12-year stint, the motorsport world buzzed with anticipation. Fans and analysts believed the move to Ferrari in the 2025 season would usher in a new chapter of success given his illustrious record.
However, nine races into the season, Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari has been rocky. While he clinched a win during the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint, consistent success has been elusive. Notably, his best finish on a traditional Sunday race was a fourth place at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Observers have remarked that Hamilton’s interviews echo the frustration of his final days with Mercedes.
At the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton’s dissatisfaction was palpable. In a post-race interview with Sky F1’s Rachel Brookes, he openly expressed doubts about whether Ferrari could pinpoint and solve the issues plaguing his performance. While teammate Charles Leclerc has steadily outperformed him, Hamilton stands 23 points behind him in the Driver’s standings.
Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok weighed in on Hamilton’s predicament, labeling it ‘critical.’ He noted Hamilton’s inconsistent showing amid his search for the car’s ‘sweet spot.’ ‘In Imola, he was off during qualifying but shone in the race. Monaco saw a similar struggle with Leclerc overtaking him easily in Spain,’ Chandhok observed. The inconsistencies in performance have raised concerns about whether Hamilton can find confidence and synergy with the SF-25.
The upcoming Canadian Grand Prix offers a glimmer of hope. David Croft, another F1 pundit, emphasized the significance of this race for Hamilton. This circuit has been a platform for his past victories, including his maiden pole and win. A strong performance here could reignite Hamilton’s season and reaffirm his potential within Ferrari’s illustrious ranks.
The pressure is mounting for Hamilton as the Canadian Grand Prix could be the turning point in his Ferrari journey.
