Jolyon Palmer feels Ferrari is suffering from the "Hamilton effect"

Jolyon Palmer feels Ferrari is suffering from the “Hamilton effect”. Jolyon Palmer on the battle for P2 between Ferrari and Mercedes.

Ferrari versus Lewis Hamilton, is this the latest major battle of the 2023 F1 World Championship? According to Jolyon Palmer, a former Formula 1 driver and now a pundit for Sky Sports, that seems to be the case. The seven-time English World Champion is single-handedly resisting Ferrari’s attacks, and the Italian team is struggling to surpass the Englishman.

The current Formula 1 World Championship still has much to unveil, keeping the fans’ attention alive. The competition for the second place in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships is intensifying, and it could hold some surprises. Particularly, Lewis Hamilton’s performances are posing challenges for both Sergio Perez and, especially, Scuderia Ferrari.

During the Mexican weekend, despite a 1-2 starting position, the Scuderia Ferrari couldn’t make gains on the Silver Arrows, primarily due to a superlative performance by Lewis Hamilton. Jolyon Palmer explains in the BBC’s “Chequered Flag” podcast, “There was a moment when both red cars were in front, and the Mercedes started sixth and eighth. Nevertheless, they didn’t gain anything.”

“Sure, they managed to beat George Russell,” the pundit continues, “but not Lewis. I think it’s the ‘Hamilton Effect’ that is defeating Ferrari at the moment.”

Is it Lewis Hamilton’s merits or Maranello’s shortcomings?
Whatever the cause may be, what is certain is that after the Japanese Grand Prix, Ferrari lost its advantage over the W14. However, George Russell struggled both in Austin and Mexico, leaving his teammate Hamilton to face Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren alone.

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“Is it Hamilton who can figure out the Mercedes or is Ferrari struggling again? I believe it’s a combination of both.”

The second place in the Drivers’ Championship, on the other hand, remains a distant dream, as Lewis Hamilton stated to Sportskeeda: “It’s unlikely, but we’ll try. It doesn’t make any difference whether we finish second or third. The goal is to bring the team to second place in the Constructors’ Championship. That’s where we’re on the right track.”