Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of claiming his first podium finish with Scuderia Ferrari were once again dashed at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where a ten-second penalty erased his early progress and ended his chances of a top-three result. Despite showing strong pace at the start, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion left the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez empty-handed after a controversial penalty decision by the FIA stewards.
Lewis Hamilton, who qualified in third position, appeared to have genuine podium potential during the opening laps of the race. His Ferrari SF-25 looked competitive, and many fans believed that this could finally be the weekend when the British driver secured his first podium in the famous red car. However, an incident involving Max Verstappen during the early stages of the Grand Prix changed everything. The race stewards deemed that Lewis Hamilton had failed to properly follow the race director’s instructions after the tussle, issuing a ten-second time penalty that ultimately dropped him several places down the order following the pit stop phase.
The 2025 Formula 1 season was expected to mark a fresh chapter in Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious career, but his debut year with Ferrari has not lived up to the expectations that surrounded his high-profile move from Mercedes. While there have been flashes of brilliance, the campaign has largely been characterised by inconsistency and frustration, leaving many fans questioning whether the partnership will yield the success both sides anticipated.
Esteban Gutiérrez defends Hamilton’s Ferrari debut season
Despite the mixed results, former Ferrari reserve driver Esteban Gutiérrez offered a more optimistic assessment of Hamilton’s season, suggesting that the overall picture may not be as negative as it appears. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, the Mexican driver explained that the Briton’s performance must be viewed through the lens of adaptation — both to the SF-25 and to Ferrari’s unique team culture.
Gutiérrez noted that Lewis Hamilton seemed noticeably more comfortable with the car during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, hinting that the British driver is slowly finding his rhythm within the Maranello-based squad. He also pointed out that transitioning from an English organisation like Mercedes to an Italian team such as Ferrari involves significant cultural adjustments. According to Gutiérrez, Ferrari operates with deep passion and emotion, which can make the environment both inspiring and complex — a place he described as a “well-organised chaos.”
The Mexican driver emphasised that every racer dreams of driving for Ferrari, yet the challenge of succeeding with the legendary team is far greater than with any other outfit on the grid. He explained that the passion within Ferrari can be a double-edged sword: it drives excellence but can also create immense pressure. Gutiérrez argued that many great champions who have joined Ferrari after winning elsewhere have struggled to replicate their previous success, as the team’s internal dynamics and expectations present a unique test.
From this perspective, Gutiérrez believes Lewis Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari has been more productive than it may appear in the standings. He suggested that this season should be viewed as a period of transition — one that could allow Lewis Hamilton to build the foundation for stronger results in 2026. The former F1 driver expressed confidence that the British star’s experience and mental resilience would enable him to take a significant step forward next year once he and the team become more synchronised.
Controversy over FIA penalty consistency reignites fan frustration
The Mexican Grand Prix also reignited ongoing debates about the FIA’s consistency in enforcing penalties. Lewis Hamilton’s sanction was just one of several controversial moments during the race, as multiple drivers were seen going off track and gaining an advantage without facing any consequences. Fans were quick to highlight the apparent double standards, particularly in the case of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who both ran wide at Turn 1 without receiving any penalty.
While Lewis Hamilton’s ten-second penalty drastically affected his final result, Verstappen and Leclerc escaped unpunished after cutting through the grass at the first corner — incidents that did not result in any loss of position. This inconsistency sparked anger among Formula 1 supporters, many of whom took to social media to demand clearer and fairer race regulation from the FIA. The lack of uniform decision-making has become a growing issue throughout the 2025 season, particularly as the championship battles intensify.
George Russell also addressed the situation prior to the race weekend, calling for structural changes to the circuit layout to help prevent such incidents. The British driver highlighted the difficulties posed by the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez’s first corner, explaining that the current run-off area allows drivers to cut through without significant time loss. He suggested that a redesigned chicane could introduce a natural deterrent and ensure fairer racing conditions in future editions of the Mexican Grand Prix.
Formula 1 fans voiced their frustration at what they perceive as selective enforcement of track limits, with some arguing that Verstappen received preferential treatment compared to Hamilton. The broader conversation has once again raised questions about how the FIA defines “gaining an advantage” and whether penalties are being applied consistently across all drivers and teams.
Hamilton and Ferrari look ahead to redemption
Despite the Mexico setback, there remains optimism within the Ferrari camp that Lewis Hamilton will soon achieve his first podium finish in red. The seven-time world champion has shown glimpses of his trademark racecraft and determination, and many believe that once Ferrari fully unlocks the potential of the SF-25, podiums — and perhaps even race victories — will follow.
For Hamilton, the transition from Mercedes to Ferrari was never going to be a simple one. Adapting to a new environment, engineering philosophy, and team culture requires time. As Esteban Gutiérrez observed, success at Ferrari carries a different weight — one that demands patience, trust, and the ability to thrive under immense pressure. Whether 2025 ends without a podium or not, the season may well serve as the crucial foundation for what could be a far stronger 2026 campaign for both the Briton and the Scuderia.
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