F1 analyst’s grim take on Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move now rings true”

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles Prove F1 Pundit’s Warnings Were Justified

Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile switch to Ferrari was heralded as the most significant driver transfer in Formula 1 history. As winter gave way to the 2025 season, anticipation soared as Hamilton officially began his journey with the legendary Italian team.

Despite the cold and damp conditions, thousands of devoted F1 fans traveled to Fiorano to witness Hamilton’s first test behind the wheel—even though it took place in an older, two-year-old car. His appearance at Ferrari’s season launch event in London was met with thunderous applause, making it clear this was more than just a career move—it was a union between the most successful driver in F1 history and the sport’s most iconic team.
The early momentum only intensified. Former driver and Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok described the excitement around Hamilton as bordering on the unreal, a sentiment that peaked when the seven-time world champion clinched victory in the Sprint race during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend—just days after making his debut in red.

However, the optimism that initially surrounded Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter has quickly faded. Since his early success, the 40-year-old has faced a string of difficulties. A disqualification in China for a technical infringement was the first major blow, and he has failed to finish within the top six in two of the last three Grands Prix. Qualifying performances have also been underwhelming, further underscoring the uphill battle he now faces.

While Sebastian Vettel has urged fans and critics alike not to count Hamilton and Ferrari out just yet, even Hamilton himself acknowledged after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that the rest of the season would likely be painful. With a contract that spans only two years, Hamilton’s assessment suggests his time at Ferrari could be at least half marked by disappointment.
One voice who now appears vindicated is Ralf Schumacher. The Sky Germany pundit stood out during the pre-season hype for offering a rare cautionary note about Hamilton’s move. While some dismissed Schumacher’s comments as an attempt to stir controversy or speculated that he might feel uneasy about Hamilton potentially eclipsing his brother Michael’s record, the early results now lend weight to his concerns.
Among Schumacher’s initial warnings was a prediction that Hamilton would require six to eight months to properly acclimate to the Ferrari setup. That estimate is proving to be strikingly accurate. Hamilton continues to struggle with the SF-25, unable to harmonize his driving style with the car’s unique demands—a situation reminiscent of Michael Schumacher’s own difficulties during his return to F1 in 2010.
Ralf Schumacher also foresaw an internal challenge from Charles Leclerc, stating that the Monegasque would maintain control within the team. So far, the statistics support that claim: Leclerc leads the qualifying head-to-head by four to one and has also outperformed Hamilton in every race where both drivers have been classified.

Adding to the complexity is an emerging communication gap between Hamilton and the Ferrari team. Observers have noted a clear disconnect over the radio, with Hamilton reportedly requesting more detailed feedback during practice and qualifying sessions than his engineers typically provide. Ferrari’s approach has been to wait until debriefs in the garage to discuss data—an approach that reflects a cultural and operational mismatch still waiting to be resolved.

This disconnect, along with Lewis Hamilton’s struggle to adapt his driving technique, points to deeper systemic issues that go beyond just on-track performance.

Fan sentiment is beginning to fracture as well. Among Hamilton’s loyal base—often referred to as ‘Team LH’—opinions are split. Some remain steadfast in their belief that he deserves more time to adjust, while others are already beginning to express doubt and disappointment.
Chandhok himself has come under fire from Hamilton supporters, especially after calling the Briton the “oops” of the weekend following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Emotions surrounding this historic partnership are running high, and while passion is expected, it hasn’t always taken constructive forms.
In the end, while Lewis Hamilton’s dream move to Ferrari may yet bear fruit, early signs suggest that Ralf Schumacher’s skepticism was more than just punditry—it was prescient analysis.