The clock is ticking for Ferrari to give Lewis Hamilton a title-winning car
Time is running out for Scuderia Ferrari to deliver Lewis Hamilton a competitive, championship-contending Formula 1 car before the British driver decides to end his illustrious career. Lewis Hamilton now holds an unenviable record: the most races with Ferrari without a podium finish, currently standing at 15. Despite his efforts, every adjustment and approach he has tried with the car has failed to provide the same level of performance that teammate Charles Leclerc has managed to extract.
This situation has only increased the pressure on both Ferrari and their drivers, particularly with the winter break looming. The Scuderia know they must be in a strong position heading into the major 2026 F1 regulation changes if they want to end their long wait for championship glory.
Inside the Ferrari garage, the belief in Lewis Hamilton remains strong. Reports suggest that everyone in the team is convinced that the seven-time world champion can still deliver. Optimism is building that Ferrari might even be able to take the fight to McLaren at the Italian Grand Prix, which would be a spectacular turnaround after their double retirement at Zandvoort.
However, the challenge has already grown more complicated. Hamilton has been handed a grid penalty for Monza following a double-waved yellow flag incident in the Netherlands. That setback could heavily impact his weekend, making car setup and strategy even more critical if he is to recover on Sunday.
Fred Vasseur explains why Loic Serra hasn’t already built a Ferrari title contender
Despite the disappointment of Zandvoort, Ferrari can still take some season-defining positives away. Team principal Fred Vasseur, in particular, has made it clear that patience is essential as the Scuderia prepare for their next phase. All eyes will be on the team in January when the new car is launched, as Ferrari attempt to bring an end to what will then be an 18-year championship drought.
Fred Vasseur explained that Ferrari’s new Technical Director, Loic Serra, recruited from Mercedes, will only truly have his first car on the grid in 2026. Despite having been at Maranello for some time, his influence is tied to long-term development cycles. According to Vasseur, Serra’s arrival and Ferrari’s design direction were planned years in advance, and the 2026 car will be the first full product of his leadership.
“Take Loic Serra as an example,” Fred Vasseur clarified. “He joined the team eight months ago, but discussions with him began almost two years ago. The first true Ferrari of the Loic Serra era will be the 2026 car, which means it’s effectively a three-year project. In today’s Formula 1, nobody has the patience to give a team three years to deliver results.”
The French manager also drew comparisons with rivals, pointing out that Alpine have changed team principals almost every year over the past decade, highlighting how short-term thinking undermines progress. By contrast, Ferrari are investing in a long-term vision with Serra, one they hope will finally bring titles back to Maranello.
Why Lewis Hamilton faces an ‘uncomfortable conversation’ after Dutch Grand Prix crash
Lewis Hamilton’s crash at Zandvoort was another painful reminder of how much he is struggling to adapt to Ferrari machinery in 2025. The British driver, usually one of the most consistent and reliable on the grid, has rarely been associated with costly accidents during his Formula 1 career. When such incidents happen, they are often a sign that he is overreaching in a car that is not delivering what he needs.
Lewis Hamilton had shown glimpses of improvement, running close to Charles Leclerc before the crash, but it all ended against the barriers in dramatic fashion. Earlier in the weekend, he had also spun during practice as he pushed the SF-25 to its limits in search of pace. His determination to unlock speed is clear, but the results have not followed.
More worryingly, Hamilton’s reputation as one of the best drivers in mixed conditions has taken a hit. In 2025, he has struggled to replicate the mastery that once made him untouchable in tricky weather. Analysts are suggesting that if this trend continues, he could face uncomfortable questions about his skillset in an evolving Formula 1 landscape.
For the Briton, adapting has always been a strength, but Ferrari’s challenges mean he now faces one of the toughest battles of his career. The pressure will only increase until the team provide him with the tools to succeed—or until he decides it is time to walk away from the sport.
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