When Lewis Hamilton made the decision to join Ferrari in what was widely anticipated to be his final chapter in Formula 1, it seemed like a storybook moment. An all-time great, chasing a record-breaking eighth world championship in one of the most iconic teams in motorsport history.
Fans and analysts alike envisioned him conquering the Scuderia and cementing his legacy as the most decorated driver in Formula 1. However, instead of a seamless transition, Hamilton’s debut season at Ferrari has begun to look like a nightmare, one that threatens to derail his career and legacy.
Hamilton’s Season with Ferrari: A Rocky Start
The first signs of trouble came early. After 12 races into his debut season with Ferrari, Hamilton is yet to stand on the podium. A stat that is almost unimaginable for a seven-time world champion who has built a reputation for consistently competing at the front of the grid.
Ferrari, a team that once dominated Formula 1, has been far from the front-runners this season, and Hamilton has found himself grappling with an unfamiliar machine that simply doesn’t suit his driving style.
While his teammate, Charles Leclerc, has shown more consistency, Hamilton has struggled to adapt to the SF25, Ferrari’s latest car. In fact, Hamilton himself admitted after a lackluster performance at Silverstone that the car feels “alien,” and his preferred setup characteristics are nowhere to be found in the current package. A visibly frustrated Hamilton expressed his discontent in a brutally honest post-race interview, stating that he found it incredibly difficult to drive the car as it currently stands.
In the same interview, Hamilton made it clear that he knows exactly what needs to change. “I feel like I know how to explain to the team what I don’t want built in next year’s car,” he said, expressing his frustration with Ferrari’s 2025 package. Yet, despite these candid remarks, he remains determined to help Ferrari turn things around, particularly as the team promises significant upgrades and a fresh focus on his needs as they look toward the 2026 season.
The Road to 2026: Ferrari’s Vision for the Future
As difficult as Hamilton’s current season has been, Ferrari is not giving up on him. Behind the scenes, the team is actively working to address the issues that have hampered their performance. One major focus has been the rear suspension, which has caused problems for the SF25 throughout the season. Ferrari has promised that the 2025 car will come equipped with a new suspension system, one that could give Hamilton the kind of car he can truly get to grips with.
In a recent test at Ferrari’s Mugello track, both Hamilton and Leclerc took the opportunity to shake down this new suspension. The goal is simple: to resolve the car’s struggles with ride height, a challenge that has plagued Ferrari all season. In fact, Hamilton’s disqualification in China, just two races into the season, was a direct result of issues related to the car’s ride height. If the new suspension upgrade proves successful, it could be the breakthrough that Hamilton has been waiting for, allowing him to push the car closer to the front of the grid.
However, even with the new upgrades, the clock is ticking. The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps is fast approaching, and with it, a sprint weekend that leaves little room for practice. For Ferrari, this makes every bit of information gained in testing crucial to their prospects for the rest of the season. It’s a make-or-break moment for Hamilton and his relationship with the Scuderia, with his legacy hanging in the balance.
A Shared Vision: Hamilton’s Role in Shaping Ferrari’s Future
While 2025 is still a work in progress for Hamilton and Ferrari, there is hope on the horizon. One of the most significant elements of Ferrari’s long-term plans involves designing a car for the 2026 season, a year when Formula 1 will undergo a massive shift with new regulations. These changes will introduce smaller, lighter cars powered by hybrid units with a 50/50 energy split, running entirely on sustainable biofuel. It’s a golden opportunity for Ferrari to reset, and Hamilton has already expressed his desire to have a car that is designed to his preferences.
In interviews, Hamilton has been vocal about the importance of having his “DNA” embedded in Ferrari’s 2026 challenger. This request isn’t just about adding sentimental value to the car; it’s about shaping a machine that can allow him to challenge for the title once again. Ferrari’s deputy team principal, Jerome D’Ambrosio, has confirmed that the team is already working on this collaborative process. According to D’Ambrosio, the team’s priority remains to build the fastest possible car, but they are committed to working closely with Hamilton and Leclerc to ensure that the car can be adapted to their respective driving styles.
Ferrari’s technical director, Loic Sera, who worked with Hamilton at Mercedes, has played a key role in this collaborative process. Hamilton has made it clear that while the current car may not be a perfect fit, he is focused on working with Ferrari to develop a future car that can meet his needs. “It’s still tough. It’s a tough balance to drive, and it’s not a comfortable one,” Hamilton confessed. “I’m working with Loic and all the guys at the factory to make sure that the next car will have some of my DNA.”
While the 2026 car is still in its early development stages, there is hope that the collaboration between Hamilton, Leclerc, and Ferrari’s engineers will produce a machine that can compete at the front once again. If this proves successful, it could be the redemption Hamilton has been hoping for. With Ferrari’s resources and his expertise, it’s a partnership that could potentially turn the tide in Hamilton’s favor.
Time Running Out: Can Ferrari Deliver?
Despite these promising developments, the question remains: can Ferrari deliver in time to save Hamilton’s legacy-defining gamble? At 40 years old, Hamilton knows that his window for success is narrowing. The championship battle is already dominated by teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes, and Ferrari’s struggles this season have made it clear that they have a long road ahead before they can challenge for the title again.
Hamilton’s frustration with Ferrari’s current car, particularly the power steering issues, has been well-documented. He has openly admitted that it’s been a constant struggle, particularly in high-speed corners where precision is key. According to pundits, fixing the power steering mid-season is a challenging task, and Ferrari may not have the flexibility to make significant changes to the system before the end of the year.
With all that Hamilton has achieved and still hopes to accomplish, one must wonder: how much longer can he afford to wait for Ferrari to get it right? Should he, like his rival Max Verstappen, consider jumping ship if things don’t improve? For now, Hamilton remains committed to the Scuderia, but as the 2025 season progresses, the pressure will only mount.
In conclusion, Hamilton’s leap to Ferrari was supposed to be a fairy-tale ending to his illustrious career. Instead, it has turned into a struggle for survival and relevance in an increasingly competitive grid. Ferrari’s promises of upgrades and future potential are tantalizing, but Hamilton’s patience is being tested. Will Ferrari deliver the car he needs to return to the top, or will this chapter of his career end in frustration and disappointment? Only time will tell.
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