The transfer of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari at the beginning of 2025, a move that had been announced a full year in advance, was without doubt one of the most talked-about stories among Formula 1 fans and one of the most analysed decisions within the paddock.
What has sparked the biggest debate are the underwhelming performances delivered so far by the seven-time Formula 1 world champion. Despite his illustrious career and reputation as one of the sport’s greatest talents, Hamilton has not managed to go beyond a fourth-place finish as his best race result this season. For a driver of his calibre, that is a very modest and disappointing record. The situation looks even worse when compared to the form of his team-mate Charles Leclerc, who has secured four podiums in the last six races and now leads Hamilton by more than 40 points in the drivers’ standings.
It is, undeniably, a very difficult scenario for Hamilton, one that has become a constant topic of conversation in the paddock.
Opinions and questions
Among those who have shared their thoughts is former Formula 1 driver Anthony Davidson. He recently suggested that racing for Ferrari, widely considered the most prestigious team in Formula 1 history, has subjected Hamilton to immense pressure — the same kind of pressure that has overwhelmed other high-profile drivers in the past.
Davidson also pointed out that Hamilton’s advanced age is another factor that cannot be ignored. In a sport where fractions of a second matter and adaptability is essential, being in the later stages of a career can weigh heavily. As a result, Lewis Hamilton’s struggles and the way he has reacted to the difficulties of his first Ferrari season have been under constant scrutiny. Critics have focused not only on his lack of results but also on his behaviour and mindset in the face of adversity.
The latest criticism has come from former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher, who has made it clear that he is not impressed with what he perceives as Lewis Hamilton’s “theatrical” way of handling the situation at Ferrari.
Ralf Schumacher’s attack
Lewis Hamilton’s approach has been unusual for a driver of his experience. After being eliminated in Q2 during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the British driver publicly described himself as “useless”. These highly emotional statements did not go down well with Ralf Schumacher, who voiced his opinion in an interview with Bild.
Even Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur had previously expressed some reservations about Lewis Hamilton’s attitude, albeit in a more subtle way. Fred Vasseur admitted that Hamilton may have underestimated the challenge of racing for Ferrari and suggested that his reaction to difficulties has been harsh and at times excessive.
Ralf Schumacher was far more direct in his comments. “I had already said that the situation could go badly. I see theatrics from him. He has attacked the team, criticised it internally, and he has been fighting with the car. This doesn’t help anyone. The car suits Charles Leclerc, not him. Maybe he is too old. Or maybe he is not able to adapt. But I don’t believe he will leave during the season.”
These strong words from Ralf Schumacher add to the mounting criticism surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s difficult adaptation to life at Ferrari. While Charles Leclerc continues to thrive with the SF-25, Lewis Hamilton’s struggle to find harmony with the car is creating tension, both inside and outside the team. His future with Ferrari is not in doubt for now, but the pressure is only likely to increase unless the British champion can turn his season around.
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