Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has not been as smooth as he might have hoped.
When Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari in 2025, expectations were sky-high. However, adjusting to his new team has proven difficult, validating what some drivers have been saying for years about the challenges of adaptation. Considered one of the best in Formula 1 history, Hamilton now finds himself struggling to find his footing alongside Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, which has been a surprising turn of events for the seven-time World Champion.
His former Mercedes colleague, Carlos Sainz, who switched teams several times in his own career, has observed the challenges Hamilton is facing. Sainz recalls his own experiences when switching to different teams like Renault and McLaren, and how the adaptation process was brushed off by many as mere excuses. Now, with Hamilton facing similar obstacles, Sainz feels somewhat justified by the recognition that adjusting to a new team can be complicated.
Asked if Hamilton’s struggles bring him any satisfaction, Sainz expressed empathy rather than pride. ‘I understand them because I know how complicated it is,’ he said, noting that the expectation of immediate adjustment often ignored the reality of how hard it can be to adapt. He mentioned how both he and Daniel Ricciardo faced similar situations, only for their difficulties to be dismissed as excuses.
Hamilton’s current difficulties at Ferrari seem to underscore the legitimacy of the adaptation process. Even a driver of his caliber isn’t immune to the complexities involved in transitioning between teams, especially one like Ferrari, which has its own unique culture and ways of working.
While Hamilton’s situation emphasizes the realities of adaptation, Sainz warned that the key to success lies in overcoming these hurdles eventually. ‘The important thing is to end up adapting,’ he pointed out, noting that while initial months might be tough, the ultimate goal is to click with the team and start delivering expected performance. Sainz’s experience shows that with time, these adaptations can happen. For Hamilton, it remains to be seen if his tenure at Ferrari will follow a similar path.
Hamilton’s struggles with Ferrari reveal that adaptation is a serious challenge, even for top athletes. This reality has forced many to reconsider the validity of ‘excuses’ previously dismissed in Formula 1. The question remains whether Hamilton can eventually overcome these hurdles and demonstrate his legendary skills with Ferrari.
