Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was supposed to reignite his title hopes and mark a new chapter in his legendary Formula 1 career. But just a few months into the 2025 season, the dream is beginning to resemble a nightmare. The seven-time world champion currently finds himself languishing in seventh place in the drivers’ standings—90 points behind leader Oscar Piastri. The SF-25’s underperformance, coupled with internal struggles, is painting a stark contrast to what many expected when Hamilton joined the Maranello camp in January.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari struggle grows as ex-teammate claims he’s not enjoying life at Maranello
Perhaps most telling of his current state is the perspective offered by his former Mercedes teammate, George Russell, who has emerged as a voice of reason in assessing Hamilton’s visible frustrations. “He’s a champion, he’s a winner, and he’s in a position where he can’t achieve that,” Russell stated ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. “And it’s not easy to accept.”
Russell’s words hold weight, especially considering Mercedes' resurgence in 2025. While Hamilton’s Ferrari appears inconsistent and underwhelming, Mercedes has already secured four podium finishes—all courtesy of Russell. Sitting fourth in the standings, he has firmly established himself as the team’s leader in the post-Hamilton era. Mercedes also holds second place in the constructors’ championship, emerging as the closest threat to McLaren, while Ferrari—who finished just 11 points shy of the title in 2024—finds itself struggling to replicate that form.
The biggest concern for Hamilton isn’t just Ferrari’s lack of pace, but the growing gap between him and teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton has been outqualified by Leclerc in five of the six main races this season and trails the Monegasque by 12 points in the standings. These internal team battles can be mentally exhausting, especially for a driver who joined the Scuderia with aspirations of adding an eighth world title to his name.
Russell added, “If he was beaming with a big smile, you’d be questioning why he’s beaming with a big smile… it’s not nice to see somebody who’s not enjoying it. But why should he be enjoying it? Because for him it’s not about the money, it’s about the results.”
Indeed, the fire still burns in Hamilton, but the environment seems ill-equipped to fuel it. His difficult final season at Mercedes in 2024—despite two wins—had already shown signs of a downturn. Now, German F1 pundit Ralf Schumacher has hinted that Hamilton may not see out his full Ferrari contract if things don’t improve, a sentiment that Russell’s comments indirectly echo.
It’s early in the season, but the clock is ticking. For Hamilton, the challenge isn't just about fixing the car—it’s about rediscovering the joy of racing. And right now, that joy appears to be slipping away.
Also Read: Why the next big F1 superstar might be American — and how James Vowles sees it happening
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari struggle grows as ex-teammate claims he’s not enjoying life at Maranello
Perhaps most telling of his current state is the perspective offered by his former Mercedes teammate, George Russell, who has emerged as a voice of reason in assessing Hamilton’s visible frustrations. “He’s a champion, he’s a winner, and he’s in a position where he can’t achieve that,” Russell stated ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. “And it’s not easy to accept.”
Russell’s words hold weight, especially considering Mercedes' resurgence in 2025. While Hamilton’s Ferrari appears inconsistent and underwhelming, Mercedes has already secured four podium finishes—all courtesy of Russell. Sitting fourth in the standings, he has firmly established himself as the team’s leader in the post-Hamilton era. Mercedes also holds second place in the constructors’ championship, emerging as the closest threat to McLaren, while Ferrari—who finished just 11 points shy of the title in 2024—finds itself struggling to replicate that form.
The biggest concern for Hamilton isn’t just Ferrari’s lack of pace, but the growing gap between him and teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton has been outqualified by Leclerc in five of the six main races this season and trails the Monegasque by 12 points in the standings. These internal team battles can be mentally exhausting, especially for a driver who joined the Scuderia with aspirations of adding an eighth world title to his name.
Russell added, “If he was beaming with a big smile, you’d be questioning why he’s beaming with a big smile… it’s not nice to see somebody who’s not enjoying it. But why should he be enjoying it? Because for him it’s not about the money, it’s about the results.”
Indeed, the fire still burns in Hamilton, but the environment seems ill-equipped to fuel it. His difficult final season at Mercedes in 2024—despite two wins—had already shown signs of a downturn. Now, German F1 pundit Ralf Schumacher has hinted that Hamilton may not see out his full Ferrari contract if things don’t improve, a sentiment that Russell’s comments indirectly echo.
It’s early in the season, but the clock is ticking. For Hamilton, the challenge isn't just about fixing the car—it’s about rediscovering the joy of racing. And right now, that joy appears to be slipping away.
Also Read: Why the next big F1 superstar might be American — and how James Vowles sees it happening
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