Scuderia Ferrari entered the 2025 Formula 1 campaign with ambitions of fighting for the constructors’ championship, bolstered by the blockbuster signing of Lewis Hamilton. However, what was expected to be a competitive resurgence has instead turned into the most challenging start to a season in Lewis Hamilton’s illustrious career.
The Italian side had reason for optimism after finishing just 14 points behind McLaren in the 2024 standings. But while their rivals have continued to build momentum and improve their package, Ferrari have regressed, with second place now being their most realistic target. After 10 races, the Maranello team finds itself trailing McLaren by a staggering 191 points, with just 183 scored so far heading into the Austrian Grand Prix. Hamilton has contributed 79 of those points, leaving him sixth in the drivers’ standings—one place behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
Remarkably, Hamilton has never endured a season in which he failed to achieve at least one podium in the first 10 rounds—until now. And with Ferrari expressing concerns that their upcoming upgrades in Austria may not resolve issues related to Pirelli tyre performance, that dry spell may well continue.
Lewis Hamilton urging Ferrari to adopt new methods as Charles Leclerc thrives within familiar system
Lewis Hamilton’s highest finish so far has been a fourth place at Imola, Ferrari’s home track. But his frustrations run deeper than race-day performances. The seven-time world champion is reportedly struggling to come to terms with Ferrari’s internal working processes, which differ significantly from what he experienced at McLaren and Mercedes.
According to the Italian media, Lewis Hamilton is finding it difficult to adapt to the technical structure in Maranello, which contrasts sharply with the methodology he grew used to during his time with British teams. Having spent six years with McLaren and 12 with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton was embedded in a particular culture of engineering and feedback—something that is proving hard to replicate in Italy.
The Briton is now believed to be actively pushing for change within Ferrari, attempting to influence the team to shift its technical methods in a direction more in line with his preferences. However, this has proven to be a considerable challenge, as the ingrained systems at Ferrari are difficult to modify, especially mid-season.
Complicating matters further, Charles Leclerc is thoroughly accustomed to Ferrari’s way of operating. A product of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2016 and a member of the F1 team since 2019, the Monegasque knows the team’s procedures “by heart.” His deep-rooted familiarity with the staff, engineering teams, and philosophy at Ferrari puts him in a strong position—one Hamilton has yet to achieve.
Lewis Hamilton anticipated differences at Ferrari, but the reality is proving overwhelming
Lewis Hamilton acknowledged before the start of the season that moving to Ferrari would be a transformative experience. He expected a change in atmosphere and operations compared to his previous teams, but the magnitude of the cultural and procedural differences appears to have exceeded even his expectations.
Reports suggest the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has found Ferrari’s internal operations overly rigid and limited in scope. The Briton has even had tensions with his engineers, believing there is a reluctance to consider alternative viewpoints. Adapting to a team with such a distinct identity and established methodology has become one of the biggest tests of his career.
Moreover, the Briton has not hidden his frustrations during races, making his dissatisfaction clear over the team radio on multiple occasions. His communication with race engineer Riccardo Adami has often been strained, with on-air disagreements over strategic decisions underlining the disconnect between driver and team.
As Ferrari continue to struggle for pace and consistency in 2025, Lewis Hamilton’s efforts to transform their internal structure may ultimately define not just his first season in red, but whether his move from Mercedes will be seen as a final flourish or a miscalculated gamble.
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