Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, which took place at the beginning of the 2025 season (but was announced almost a year in advance), has undoubtedly been one of the most discussed topics among Formula 1 fans and analyzed in depth by experts within the sport. Both before the transfer was finalized and now, months into his first season with the Italian team, the pairing of one of the most successful drivers in history with one of the most iconic teams has drawn intense attention. What has fueled the debate most, however, are Hamilton’s underwhelming performances so far. The seven-time World Champion has not managed to achieve more than a fourth-place finish, which remains his best result this season. This is a remarkably modest tally for a driver of his caliber, made even more striking when compared to his teammate Charles Leclerc, who has claimed four podiums in the last six races, leaving Sir Lewis more than 40 points behind in the championship standings.
Many opinions… and questions
Lewis Hamilton’s situation is, plainly, far from simple. Numerous figures within the F1 paddock have been discussing it, including former Formula 1 driver Anthony Davidson, who recently argued that racing for the most prestigious team in the world has subjected Hamilton to the intense pressure that has caused other illustrious predecessors to falter. Additionally, Davidson pointed out that the veteran status of the English driver—his advanced age for Formula 1 standards—is a non-negligible factor in such a high-stakes environment. Beyond that, Hamilton’s current difficulties have sparked numerous questions from fans and observers alike. Among these, one particularly notable question appeared on the blog “Profondo Rosso,” to which respected Italian journalist Leo Turrini provided his perspective.
Leo Turrini’s perspective
In seeking the reasons behind Lewis Hamilton’s disappointing start with Ferrari, Leo Turrini identified several factors. Beyond Hamilton’s limited adaptation to his new team and car, he highlighted the clash between what Hamilton had been promised—on the basis of which he placed his trust, particularly in team principal Frédéric Vasseur—and the reality he is confronting this season. According to Turrini, this mismatch between expectation and reality is, in some ways, similar to the struggles that Charles Leclerc has been navigating for the past seven years.
“It’s not like someone like Lewis Hamilton chooses Ferrari because someone promises him a car designed by Adrian Newey. Of course, they promised him a top-tier car, and he trusted that promise, primarily because of Fréd Vasseur, his mentor in his youth. Without Fréd at Maranello, Lewis would never have come. As for Leclerc, he has been betting on Ferrari since he was a teenager. If it doesn’t work out, he will look for opportunities elsewhere. But with whom?”
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