Karun Chandhok reveals backlash from Lewis Hamilton fans over controversial Saudi Arabia comment

Karun Chandhok Faces Criticism from Lewis Hamilton Fans After Pointing Out Ferrari Star’s Saudi Struggles

Karun Chandhok has found himself at the center of a backlash from Lewis Hamilton’s devoted fanbase following critical comments he made about the Ferrari driver’s underwhelming performance at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Hamilton, who joined the Maranello-based team this season in one of the most high-profile moves in Formula 1 history, endured arguably his most disappointing weekend in red so far.
During qualifying in Jeddah, Hamilton was more than half a second adrift of teammate Charles Leclerc. While Leclerc secured P4, Hamilton could only manage P7.

The contrast was even more striking when considering that 18-year-old Oliver Bearman, making his first-ever F1 appearance as a last-minute substitute, managed to get closer to Leclerc’s pace than Hamilton did.

The race painted an even bleaker picture. Hamilton crossed the finish line over 30 seconds behind Leclerc on raw pace—marking the first time he had suffered such a margin to a teammate since the 2017 Russian Grand Prix. After briefly gaining a position from Carlos Sainz at the start, Hamilton failed to make further progress. Although he held off Lando Norris for a short period, the McLaren driver—who had started 10th after a crash in Q3—ultimately passed him, and Hamilton faded from contention.

‘Oops of the Weekend’ Comment Triggers Online Backlash

Karun Chandhok’s post-race analysis, shared via Sky Sports’ social media platforms, singled out Hamilton as his pick for the “oops of the weekend.” The former F1 driver highlighted the significant performance gap between Hamilton and Leclerc, both in qualifying and the race, as the reason for his choice.

Chandhok noted that Hamilton had looked off the pace throughout the weekend, with a consistent deficit of around six-tenths per lap to his teammate—a sizable gap by Formula 1 standards, especially for a seven-time world champion. Fellow pundit Martin Brundle also weighed in, suggesting Hamilton appeared to be heading in the wrong direction in terms of car development and confidence. While Hamilton had shown some promise during the second stint in Bahrain, his Jeddah outing was a clear step back.

The remarks did not sit well with Hamilton’s passionate supporters, often referred to as “Team LH.” During a later segment on The F1 Show, Chandhok acknowledged that he had drawn considerable criticism from fans online. He shared that many of Hamilton’s followers were upset over the “oops” label, and he had been receiving backlash throughout the week as a result.
Ferrari’s Gamble with 2025 Car May Have Undermined Hamilton Before Season Even Began

While fans direct frustration toward pundits, internal pressure may also be mounting within Ferrari. A journalist close to the team reported that Hamilton could be facing increased scrutiny from within Maranello as the initial buzz surrounding his arrival rapidly cools. The high expectations set during the winter testing period have quickly been replaced by concern and disappointment.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has so far offered unwavering public support for Hamilton, defending his performances with visible passion. However, even Hamilton himself admitted after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that the rest of the season might be a painful one—a statement many interpreted as a tacit concession that 2025 is no longer about winning, but surviving.

When he next speaks to the media at the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton may adopt a more composed tone. Still, unless he consistently closes the gap to Leclerc and challenges for podiums, questions about Ferrari’s direction and his role within the team will only intensify.

Many observers believe Ferrari’s winter overhaul of the SF-25 was a strategic misstep. Despite finishing just 14 points behind McLaren in the 2024 constructors’ standings, the team opted for a dramatic redesign in an attempt to vault ahead. So far, that gamble appears to have backfired. Instead of catching McLaren or Red Bull, Ferrari now finds itself with a car that is not only slower but also more difficult to drive—particularly for Lewis Hamilton, who has yet to find comfort behind the wheel.

For the Briton, a driver who has built his career on precision, adaptability, and excellence, the challenge of turning things around at Ferrari looks greater than many anticipated. Whether the team can deliver the improvements he needs—or whether 2026’s regulation changes will offer a reset—remains one of the most compelling storylines in F1 today.