Early Struggles at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton had committed to a two-year deal with Ferrari, signed in February 2024 with an option for a third year, well before the 2024 season concluded. Despite this long-term agreement, his first year with Maranello has fallen short of expectations. After 14 rounds in 2025, the Briton has accumulated only 109 points, 41 fewer than he had at the same stage in 2024, highlighting the difficulties of transitioning to Ferrari.
For the first time in his 19-year Formula 1 career, Lewis Hamilton has failed to reach the podium in the opening 14 races of a season. His previous worst starts were in 2009 and 2024, where he had to wait until the tenth round to score his first podium of the year.
Off-Track Challenges and Team Adjustments
Hamilton’s challenges extend beyond the racetrack. Since leaving Mercedes after 12 seasons, he has meticulously documented issues and suggestions for improvement at Ferrari, comparing their operations to those he experienced in Brackley. He maintains a detailed notebook logging complex instructions, technical evaluations, and summaries of team meetings, attempting to guide the team toward the practices he knows from Mercedes.
Hill, however, believes Hamilton should focus on maximizing his own performance rather than trying to reshape Ferrari. The 1996 world champion pointed out that Hamilton cannot ignore the effects of age, which inevitably influence his ability to adapt quickly to new environments and new machinery. Hill warned that without a clear focus, Hamilton risks exhausting himself both mentally and physically, potentially accelerating thoughts of retirement.
Hill’s Perspective on Hamilton’s Mental and Physical Demands
Speaking to BBC Sport, Hill explained that the long F1 calendar places enormous pressure on drivers, emphasizing the physical toll of constant travel, jet lag, and a 24-race season. He suggested that Lewis Hamilton needs to embrace his time at Ferrari, resist the urge to overhaul the team, and preserve his mental clarity to perform at the highest level.
Hill also highlighted that while Hamilton has always considered himself exceptional—and he undoubtedly is—there are aspects, such as age and physical endurance, that cannot be ignored. These factors may limit Hamilton’s ability to adapt quickly to Ferrari’s unique methods and culture, potentially influencing his future career decisions.
Hamilton Seeks Team Changes Amid Performance Struggles
Hamilton’s struggles have been visible on the track, notably in the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished outside the points in 12th place. The seven-time world champion publicly expressed frustration with Ferrari, suggesting that the team needs to adjust its methods and even referring to himself as “useless” after qualifying poorly.
The transition from Mercedes, where he spent 12 years, to Ferrari—a non-British team with a completely different operational philosophy—has proven particularly challenging. Lewis Hamilton has struggled with Ferrari’s Brembo brakes, contrasting with his previous preference for Carbon Industrie systems at Mercedes. These technical and cultural differences have led Hamilton to urge Ferrari to modify their approach, though Hill contends that the driver should instead focus on adapting to the team rather than changing it.
Conclusion: Can Lewis Hamilton Overcome the Challenges?
Damon Hill’s observations underscore the reality that even elite drivers face limits as they age and switch teams. Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari has been a trial of patience, adaptation, and mental focus. Hill believes that for Hamilton to continue performing at his best, he must prioritize his own preparation and mindset, rather than attempting to reshape Ferrari, or risk considering retirement earlier than anticipated. The 2025 season thus serves as a critical juncture in the Briton’s illustrious motorsport career.
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