Lewis Hamilton matched the best result of his brief Ferrari career with a strong fourth-place finish at the United States Grand Prix, showcasing glimpses of his championship-winning pace despite ongoing challenges. At several points during the race, Hamilton looked poised to challenge for a podium, but the ageing soft tyres forced him to ease off. Ferrari’s aggressive strategy almost brought a win for Charles Leclerc, yet once again, Lewis Hamilton faced a late-race issue that nearly cost him points. With five races remaining, Ferrari continue their fight for second in the Constructors’ Championship, but the gap to Red Bull and Mercedes’ race-winning performance remains significant.
During the race in Austin, Lewis Hamilton radioed that he had “nothing” left, highlighting his frustration as a podium slipped away. Former F1 driver Danica Patrick suggested Hamilton might be mentally worn down, simply hoping for the season to conclude sooner rather than later.
‘Severe’ unexplained problem threatens Lewis Hamilton’s results at Ferrari
Hamilton has been one of the most closely watched drivers in 2025, yet his campaign has been marred by unexpected issues. Many, including commentator David Croft, expected more from the seven-time champion, at least in selected races where victory seemed within reach. With the prospect of completing his first full season without a podium looming, the pressure on Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton is mounting. The Briton is pinning hopes on the 2026 F1 regulations as a potential turning point in his Ferrari tenure.
For the second consecutive race, the Briton experienced a technical issue on the final lap that almost cost him crucial points. Ferrari cannot afford unexplained problems at the end of races, as they effectively hand positions to their rivals. In Austin, the Italian edition of Motorsport.com reported that Lewis Hamilton suffered a “severe” understeer problem, losing approximately five seconds. Had the issue occurred one lap earlier, Oscar Piastri might have overtaken him.
Lewis Hamilton described the incident, saying he wasn’t certain what had caused the problem. He felt a sudden severe understeer entering Turn 5, initially fearing a front wing failure or tyre damage. Despite the challenge, he managed to hold position through the final corners.
Why Lewis Hamilton could thrive in his second full season at Ferrari
While Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has been far from ideal, he has still kept pace with teammate Charles Leclerc under challenging circumstances. Adjusting to a new team, a new environment, and learning to communicate effectively in a different language have all contributed to the learning curve. By 2026, Lewis Hamilton will be fully integrated within the team, allowing him to focus entirely on performance rather than adaptation.
With experience and familiarity, Lewis Hamilton is expected to drive Ferrari forward in a more consistent manner. His patience may have been tested this season, but the team will know the critical importance of starting 2026 strong. Any delays or setbacks could impact both results and job security within the team, emphasizing the need for reliability and pace from the outset.
Despite setbacks, Hamilton remains a potent force on track, and a fully prepared Ferrari in 2026 could unlock the full potential of the seven-time world champion.
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