Hamilton Struggles – Two Words Ferrari Is Trying to Erase
In Jeddah, Ferrari showed some timid signs of recovery, but the performances of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion are starting to raise concerns. The British champion has struggled both over a single lap and across the 300-km race distance with a full tank, appearing more like a passenger than a protagonist in his SF-25.
Lewis and the Expected Progress
As we’ve explained in several technical deep dives, Project 677 is anything but a well-born car. The team around Charles Leclerc has tailored the configuration to his driving style—extreme, high-performing, and highly specific. In contrast, Lewis has yet to find the right key. The SF-25 hasn’t given him the confidence he needs to perform at his best, and as a result, his performances have yet to shine.
It’s clear that Lewis stands to benefit the most from the car’s ongoing development and correction process. The team’s objective is to make the Italian car more neutral, manageable, and responsive to setup changes. After being disqualified in China due to excessive plank wear, Ferrari’s engineers had no choice but to adjust the setup to avoid another exclusion at all costs.
Hamilton’s Struggles on Display
In modern Formula 1, a single millimeter or kilogram can make all the difference. Honestly, after the massive media hype surrounding the arrival of the Stevenage ace, few expected such a rocky start from the superstar—despite his solid Sprint Race win and pole in Shanghai, his only victory so far.
The Prancing Horse Must Support Its Major Investment
Even Hamilton hasn’t hidden his disappointment. He made no excuses after the underwhelming showing in Jeddah. If his teammate, with the same machinery, managed to reach the podium just eight seconds behind the winner, then there must be humility to reflect and improve. Hamilton has embraced this, knowing a period of adaptation was inevitable.
Each team has its own methods and procedures. The problem is that the SF-25 hasn’t helped him much during his initial phase. But Lewis isn’t making excuses—and neither should anyone else. What’s certain is that the historic Modena-based team will support him fully through this tough period, as confirmed by team boss Frédéric Vasseur.
Maximum Commitment for Maximum Potential
In short, Ferrari will do everything in its power to help Lewis consistently express his potential. Many expected his move to Ferrari to be a rejuvenating chapter in what may be the final stretch of his storied career. According to sources, the British champion approached this challenge with the attitude of someone ready to start from scratch.
Lewis knows better than anyone that past achievements no longer count. You can’t coast on reputation—especially not at Ferrari, where even multiple world champions like Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel failed to add new trophies to the Prancing Horse’s cabinet. Once the dream becomes reality, many have been met with the harsh, often unforgiving Italian racing culture.
Results Must Match the Marketing
A step change is needed—fast. Lewis has already started by sacrificing some of his personal and promotional commitments to fully immerse himself in the team’s day-to-day work alongside his engineers. He doesn’t want to be just a symbolic figure, but a true contributor.
That’s why this week, he’ll be spending more time than expected at Ferrari HQ on Via Abetone Inferiore 4. His signing was the first real strategic move under the current leadership of the Scuderia. It’s worth remembering that Hamilton is a clear investment that cannot fail. A flop this season would inevitably raise questions not only about the driver but also about the vision and competence of Ferrari’s top brass.
The Stakes Are High
The marketing around the “partnership of the century” must be backed by results on track. Otherwise, the entire operation risks becoming a loud and damaging boomerang. Ferrari cannot afford to get this wrong—and that’s why they will fight tooth and nail to protect and defend the capital they’ve invested in Lewis Hamilton.
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