Lewis Hamilton finds himself in a McLaren-like struggle at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign has proven to be one of the most challenging of his illustrious career. The seven-time world champion finds himself in sixth place in the drivers’ championship, with any hope of securing an unprecedented eighth title looking increasingly distant. Although his move to Ferrari was expected to reinvigorate his championship prospects, the reality has been far more complicated, as the Briton has struggled to extract consistent performance from the SF-25.

Heading into the 2026 season under the new F1 regulations, Lewis Hamilton faces a critical juncture in his career—a true now-or-never scenario. Without a significant improvement in results and adaptation to Ferrari’s machinery, his tenure with the iconic Maranello team could end abruptly, leaving the seven-time champion without a seat in a highly competitive grid.

Oliver Bearman and the pressure on Hamilton

Within the paddock, speculation continues to grow that Ferrari may eventually replace Lewis Hamilton with rising talent Oliver Bearman. The 20-year-old Haas driver has impressed in his rookie season, but insiders agree that he still needs time to develop before being considered for a top-tier Ferrari seat. For the seven-time F1 world champion, Ollie Bearman’s relative inexperience is a temporary relief, providing the veteran with more time to rediscover championship-winning form and prove his worth at Maranello.

The parallels between Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 struggles at Ferrari and his early career difficulties at McLaren have not gone unnoticed. Fans and analysts note that, much like during his 2009 season with McLaren, Hamilton is contending with a car that limits his ability to compete at the front consistently. Back then, a series of poor finishes left him frustrated, a situation reminiscent of his podium-less streak this year with Ferrari.

Ferrari car challenges and driver frustration

Many observers argue that Ferrari’s underperformance in 2025 cannot be solely attributed to their drivers. While Charles Leclerc has occasionally found the SF-25 difficult to manage, Lewis Hamilton’s struggles have been particularly pronounced, highlighting the car’s limitations. In fact, the SF-25 risks becoming Ferrari’s first car since 2021 to complete a season without a single victory.

Despite beating Lewis Hamilton in the head-to-head matchup this season, Charles Leclerc has openly acknowledged that he has not reached the same level as the Briton in terms of experience and racecraft. For the Briton, the most frustrating aspect of the season has been the inability to achieve a top-three finish. For the first time in his career, a full campaign without a podium is now a realistic possibility.

History repeating: Hamilton’s McLaren struggles of 2009

Lewis Hamilton’s current woes at Ferrari bear striking similarities to his 2009 experience at McLaren. That year, after a strong start to the season, the team struggled to adapt to new technical regulations, leaving the Briton unable to compete for podiums despite giving his absolute best on track. After a disappointing Spanish Grand Prix, he admitted feeling a sense of hopelessness, echoing the sentiments seen in 2025.

Lewis Hamilton expressed that he had pushed the car to its limits but was still hampered by mechanical deficiencies, with his efforts insufficient to challenge for the top positions. Despite consistently driving at full capacity, results failed to reflect the work put in by both him and the team. In 2009, following Spain, Hamilton endured a stretch of four races finishing between 12th and 18th before finally returning to the podium with a dominant victory in Hungary during round 10.

Learning from the past and looking to 2026

Insiders suggest that Lewis Hamilton’s difficulty in adapting to Ferrari’s car setups in 2025 has contributed to the lack of results. However, it is clear that the issues extend beyond the driver. Ferrari’s gamble on the SF-25’s design over the winter did not pay off, resulting in a package that has consistently underperformed compared to expectations. The Maranello team must correct their approach for the 2026 regulations, ensuring a car capable of competing at the front and giving Lewis Hamilton a chance to salvage his tenure.

As the 2025 season nears its conclusion, all eyes remain on Lewis Hamilton’s ability to overcome both technical challenges and personal pressure. With the specter of Oliver Bearman waiting in the wings, the seven-time champion faces a high-stakes situation that could define the final chapter of his Ferrari career. Success in 2026 will require a combination of adaptability, experience, and precise execution, as the Scuderia aims to deliver a car capable of competing for victories once again.