Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari Troubles

Hamilton Under Pressure as Ferrari Dream Turns Sour

Lewis Hamilton has staunchly defended his commitment to Ferrari, countering remarks from the company's chairman, John Elkann, who implied the driver's attention should be more on racing. The seven-time world champion's first year with the storied Italian squad has been fraught with difficulty, leaving him without a single podium finish as the season nears its end. The public rebuke from Elkann has only intensified the scrutiny on what was hailed as a historic partnership, now revealing deep-seated frustrations on both sides as the team's championship drought looks set to continue. Hamilton, however, remains resolute, insisting that he is pouring maximum effort into reversing the team's fortunes.

A Season of High Hopes and Harsh Realities

The move of Lewis Hamilton to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, igniting hopes of a glorious new chapter for both the driver and the team. After a phenomenal tenure with Mercedes that yielded six of his seven world titles, Hamilton's switch was seen as a quest for an unprecedented eighth championship in the iconic red overalls. Ferrari, in turn, hoped the Briton's unparalleled experience and skill would end a title drought stretching back to 2008. The reality, however, has been a stark contrast to these lofty expectations, with the partnership yet to yield the desired results.

The Rebuke from the Top

The simmering tensions boiled over following a disastrous Brazilian Grand Prix, where both Hamilton and his colleague Charles Leclerc were also unable to complete the event. The double retirement proved costly, dropping Ferrari to fourth place among the constructors and prompting a blunt assessment from chairman John Elkann. He openly remarked that the drivers ought to concentrate on their track performance and reduce their public commentary. This admonishment from the highest level of Ferrari's management has amplified the pressure on the entire Formula 1 operation, especially after Hamilton had earlier labelled his first year with the team as a "nightmare."

Hamilton's Staunch Defence of His Work Ethic

Before the race in Las Vegas, Lewis Hamilton responded to the issue, asserting his connection with Elkann was still strong despite the public critique. The veteran competitor strongly refuted any suggestion that his concentration was inadequate, providing a detailed account of his dedication. He described his thoughts as being consumed by the team's challenges, stating that the issue is constantly on his mind. Hamilton suggested that, if anything, he needs to improve his ability to disconnect from the pressures of the job, characterising the 2025 season as the most demanding of his career.

Unwavering Commitment to the Ferrari Project

Hamilton emphasised his deep involvement with the organisation, highlighting that his presence at the Maranello base has exceeded his time at the operational centers of his former teams. He reiterated his understanding that turning around a team of Ferrari's scale is a monumental task that cannot be accomplished overnight. The driver likened the process to guiding a huge vessel on a different course, acknowledging that the organisation's vastness and complexity mean that quick fixes are simply not possible. This perspective underscores his long-term commitment despite the immediate lack of competitive results.

A Difficult Adaptation Process

The transition from the well-oiled machine at Mercedes to the unique environment at Ferrari has proven to be a significant challenge for Hamilton. Former Mercedes engineering chief Aldo Costa noted that Hamilton's entire career had been within English teams, making the adaptation to an Italian outfit culturally and operationally difficult. Technical hurdles have also been prominent. Hamilton has worked extensively with engineers to tailor the car to his driving style, requesting changes to his driving position and pedal setup, while also grappling with characteristics like engine braking that were a characteristic absent from his prior vehicles.

Teammate Leclerc Navigates the Controversy

Charles Leclerc, who was also a subject of Elkann's public comments, offered his perspective on the situation. The Monegasque driver, who has a long-standing relationship with the Ferrari chairman, interpreted the remarks as an expression of Elkann's powerful drive to succeed rather than a personal slight. Leclerc revealed that he discussed the topic with Elkann, who clarified his message was intended to be a motivational push for the entire team to improve. Leclerc's measured response highlights an attempt to maintain unity within the team amid external and internal pressures.

The SF-25: A Car with Deep-Rooted Flaws

The source of many of Ferrari's woes in the 2025 season can be traced to the SF-25, a car that has proven to be fundamentally flawed. Plagued by design issues from the outset, the car has been difficult to optimise, with a particularly narrow operating window. A key problem has been its extreme sensitivity to ride-height, forcing the team to run conservative setups that sacrifice downforce and overall performance to comply with regulations. This issue was starkly highlighted when Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix for excessive plank wear.

A Season Marred by Inconsistency

The 2025 campaign has been a story of frustrating inconsistency for the Scuderia. While there have been flashes of potential, such as Hamilton's sprint race victory in China and Leclerc securing seven podium finishes, a Grand Prix win has remained elusive. The team has often shown promise in practice sessions only to see that pace evaporate in qualifying and the race. This inability to translate potential into consistent results has been a recurring theme, leading to the team slipping down the constructors' standings and prompting the sharp words from the company's leadership.

Image Credit By - Jen Ross, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Echoes of Past Struggles at Maranello

Ferrari's current difficulties are not without historical precedent. The team has seen other world champions, such as Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel, join with high expectations only to depart without securing a championship. These past experiences serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the immense pressure and unique challenges of driving for the most famous name in motorsport. Hamilton's current predicament is the latest chapter in this complex history, as he battles to avoid a similar fate and steer the team back to its winning ways.

The Las Vegas Challenge

The event in Las Vegas poses another substantial obstacle for Ferrari. The city-based track, known for its low-grip surface, is a concern. The cool and damp weather is predicted to make for a challenging race for the entire field. There is little indication that the unique demands of the Las Vegas track will play to the strengths of the problematic SF-25, suggesting another challenging weekend lies ahead for Hamilton and Leclerc as they seek to salvage some positives from a difficult year.

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Gloom

Despite the litany of challenges, Hamilton remains publicly optimistic about the team's long-term prospects. He speaks of the immense passion within every member of the Ferrari organisation and his gratitude for their relentless efforts. Acknowledging the intense and often negative scrutiny that accompanies the team, he frames every setback as an opportunity for growth and learning. His belief in the project remains unshaken, expressing firm confidence that the collective effort will eventually lead the team back to the pinnacle of Formula 1.

The Bigger Championship Picture

While Ferrari grapples with its internal issues, a compelling championship battle rages at the front of the grid. McLaren's Lando Norris leads the global championship, with a 24-point lead over his colleague, Oscar Piastri. Red Bull's Max Verstappen remains in contention, 49 points adrift of the leader. This tight three-way contest for the drivers' title provides a dramatic backdrop to the final races of the season, showcasing the competitive benchmark that Ferrari is currently struggling to reach.

Norris on the Brink of a Maiden Title

Lando Norris, the competitor from Britain, is well-placed to secure his inaugural Formula 1 title. Although he cannot mathematically clinch the championship while in Nevada, a strong result ahead of his colleague Piastri would grant him a commanding lead heading into the final rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. After the penultimate race in Qatar, a margin of 25 points would be sufficient for Norris to confirm the championship win, a remarkable achievement that would cap a dominant season for the McLaren team.

A Look Ahead to 2026

Amid the current struggles, Ferrari, like all teams, has an eye on the future. The comprehensive overhaul of Formula 1's technical regulations for the 2026 season presents a crucial opportunity for a reset. This regulatory shift could be the catalyst Ferrari needs to overcome the deep-seated issues that have hampered its recent campaigns. The team is already dedicating resources to the 2026 car, hoping that this clean slate will allow them to close the gap to their rivals and finally deliver a championship-winning machine for Hamilton and Leclerc.

Hamilton's Enduring Legacy

Regardless of the outcome of his Ferrari venture, Lewis Hamilton's legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats is secure. With a record-equalling seven world championships, over 100 race wins, and more than 100 pole positions, his statistical achievements are unparalleled. His move to Ferrari was a bold step, driven by the ambition to achieve what many consider the ultimate prize in motorsport: securing a title for the Prancing Horse. The current season may be a nightmare, but the final chapter of Hamilton's illustrious career is still being written.

The Weight of Expectation

Driving for Ferrari carries a weight of expectation unlike any other team in Formula 1. The passion of the Tifosi, the Italian team's global fanbase, is legendary, but it also brings an unparalleled level of scrutiny. Every decision, every performance, and every public statement is analysed and debated. For Hamilton, a driver accustomed to the spotlight, the intensity of the Ferrari environment is a new and formidable challenge. Navigating this pressure while trying to solve the team's on-track problems is the central task he now faces.

A Test of Leadership

The current crisis at Ferrari is not just a test of engineering and driving skill; it is also a profound test of leadership. For team principal Fred Vasseur, the challenge is to manage the internal tensions, shield the team from external pressure, and foster an environment where recovery is possible. For Hamilton, the task is to inspire and motivate the team, using his vast experience to guide development in the right direction. How they respond to this adversity will be crucial in determining the team's future success.

The Final Push

With just three races remaining in the gruelling 24-race season, the focus for Ferrari is to end a disappointing year on a more positive note. Securing a podium finish for Hamilton would be a significant psychological boost for the entire team, providing a tangible reward for their efforts. More importantly, the team will use these final events to continue learning about the SF-25 and gather crucial data that will inform the design of its successor. The climb back to the top is steep, but the work to ascend that mountain continues with unwavering resolve.