Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton told to rediscover his ‘magic’ to match a Max Verstappen milestone next year. Lewis Hamilton struggles in his 2025 Ferrari debut.

Lewis Hamilton’s debut at Ferrari has so far fallen short of expectations, with the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion yet to secure a podium finish in the 2025 season.

The move to Ferrari in 2024 had appeared highly promising, given that the Maranello-based team was battling McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship, while teammates Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were regularly contending for race victories.

However, the 2025 campaign has seen Ferrari take a step back, grappling with a fundamental car issue that notably cost Charles Leclerc the Hungarian Grand Prix. The ongoing technical challenges have compounded frustrations, not only within the team but also for Lewis Hamilton, who has found it difficult to adapt to the Ferrari machinery compared to his previous championship-winning cars.

Amid speculation that Hamilton might consider leaving Ferrari due to frustration with the team’s lack of progress, Dutch racing personality Tim Coronel has urged the Briton to reignite his competitive ‘fire,’ encouraging him to replicate the determination he showed during his 2021 title battle with Max Verstappen. Coronel shared his perspective with RacingNews365.nl, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience.

Coronel highlighted how Hamilton had shown moments in Hungary that seemed ‘out of character,’ while his teammate Charles Leclerc has been outperforming him significantly, securing nearly 60% of Ferrari’s points by the halfway stage of the season. Tim Coronel believes that the summer break provides Hamilton with an opportunity to regain his motivation and aggressive edge, reminiscent of his 2021 battles at the front of the grid.

Tim Coronel explained that while he could not be certain whether Hamilton is considering stepping away from Ferrari, he recognized the demotivating effect of struggling in a high-pressure environment. He encouraged Hamilton to find his competitive spirit once again, suggesting that the seven-time champion’s revival would bring excitement back to the Ferrari team and fans alike. Coronel described Hamilton’s 2021 duel with Verstappen as “magical” and expressed hope that Hamilton can rediscover that same intensity, while also noting that other drivers, like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, are currently enjoying their form on track.

Meanwhile, the Briton continues to assert his commitment to the Ferrari project, acknowledging the challenge of leading a team that has not won a drivers’ championship since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 title. Comparisons have been drawn between Hamilton’s current Ferrari tenure and Michael Schumacher’s early years at the team in 1996, although Ferrari today is winning races more consistently than during Schumacher’s early era.

Off-track, Hamilton remains a key commercial asset for Ferrari, but his on-track struggles have so far failed to justify the significant financial investment associated with his multi-year contract. Despite this, legendary driver Jackie Stewart has voiced his support for Hamilton amid the Briton’s difficulties, highlighting the importance of experience and perseverance in overcoming a challenging season. However, ongoing rumors about Hamilton potentially not completing his current contract continue to cause concern among fans and within the team.

In summary, while the 2025 season has presented significant challenges for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, voices such as Tim Coronel and Jackie Stewart believe the summer break and renewed focus could help the seven-time champion rediscover the fire and determination that have defined his illustrious Formula 1 career.