Lewis Hamilton’s Struggles with Ferrari: Beyond the Internal Battle
After a challenging adaptation period, seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton is finding his footing at Scuderia Ferrari. However, even if he manages to outperform teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton remains far from satisfied. His ultimate goal isn’t just beating the red car driver; it’s winning races – a feat that seems elusive given the current conditions.
The Promise and Disappointment of Ferrari’s SF-25
Despite showing promise in Miami, Hamilton’s overall performance with the SF-25 has been underwhelming, leaving both Ferrari fans and the public disappointed. The excitement surrounding Hamilton’s arrival at peaked in February at Fiorano, but the level of enthusiasm has since waned.
The Italian tifosi, who welcomed Hamilton with open arms, still stand by him. They understand that he needs time to adapt to life at Ferrari and shed the habits accumulated over twelve years at Mercedes. Even in his final season at Mercedes, the initial feeling with the W15 was far from ideal.
A Comparison of Past and Present
In 2024, Hamilton finished second in the Shanghai sprint, while this year he won it with Leclerc in fifth. After six races last year, Hamilton had scored 27 points to George Russell’s 37; this year, he has 41 points to Leclerc’s 53. It seems like a repeat of his start to the 2024 season, but with a different color scheme.
Despite the similarities, Hamilton’s attitude this year is noticeably different. He isn’t just aiming for victories; he expects them. However, the ball is in other hands – the performance of the car.
The Road Ahead for Lewis Hamilton
If Imola confirms the progress seen in Miami in terms of maximizing the car’s potential, it will be a welcome sign for Hamilton. But don’t expect that alone to bring a smile back to his face. Hamilton has never lost faith in himself and believes he has the tools to reach Leclerc’s level. However, aiming for victories is another matter entirely – and that depends on factors beyond his control.
