Stefano Domenicali reflects on Lewis Hamilton’s rare struggles and Ferrari’s 2025 challenges

Formula One Group CEO Stefano Domenicali must remain neutral in his role, but his longstanding ties to Ferrari ensure he keeps a keen eye on the Scuderia’s progress. As one of the sport’s most iconic teams, Ferrari continues to dominate headlines, especially with high-profile drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc on their roster in 2025.

Heading into the 2025 Formula 1 season, expectations for Ferrari were sky-high. Fred Vasseur had steered the team to second place in the Constructors’ Championship the previous year, and the addition of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton generated huge anticipation among fans and pundits alike. With Charles Leclerc starting the year in formidable form, Ferrari aimed to challenge consistently for both titles.

However, the reality has proven more challenging than expected. Both drivers have struggled to translate potential into results. With nine races remaining in the season, neither the Drivers’ nor the Constructors’ Championships are realistically within reach, highlighting the difficulties Ferrari has faced under the pressure of high expectations. The upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza represents a crucial opportunity: Hamilton could finally secure his first podium with Ferrari, while Leclerc aims to claim his first victory of the season.

Leclerc currently boasts five podium finishes and a pole position in Hungary, but Hamilton has yet to match his teammate’s results, sitting 42 points adrift. The situation is compounded by a grid penalty for Hamilton at Monza, intensifying the challenge for the seven-time world champion. Stefano Domenicali has now weighed in on Hamilton’s difficult debut campaign with the Scuderia.

Domenicali identifies Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected vulnerability at Ferrari

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Stefano Domenicali discussed multiple topics surrounding Ferrari’s season. One key focus was Hamilton, whose 2025 campaign has been described in some quarters as the most challenging phase of his career.

The former Ferrari team boss noted that Hamilton did not anticipate encountering such a difficult start with Ferrari. He highlighted a moment of vulnerability in Hungary, where the Briton faced unprecedented pressure and failed to reach Q3, missing a top-10 finish for the first time since joining the team. Stefano Domenicali described it as a rare “moment of human weakness” that arose from a particularly complicated race weekend.

Despite these setbacks, Stefano Domenicali expressed confidence in Hamilton’s character, emphasizing that the seven-time world champion possesses the resilience and skill necessary to overcome adversity. He expects Hamilton to bounce back and continue pursuing historic achievements with Ferrari, motivating those around him and regaining his competitive form in 2026.

While Hamilton endured disappointment in Hungary, he appeared far more composed in the Netherlands, even though both races ended in retirements for him and Leclerc. Domenicali’s comments underscore the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces in balancing team performance, driver expectations, and the intense scrutiny of fans and media alike.

Domenicali praises Kimi Antonelli as a future F1 star

The interview also touched on Ferrari’s wider view of young talent, including Mercedes’ rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The 19-year-old collided with Charles Leclerc at Zandvoort, resulting in a 10-second penalty that dropped him out of the points. Despite the setback, Domenicali highlighted Antonelli’s potential, noting his maturity and growth as a young driver navigating the intense world of Formula 1.

Domenicali reflected on Kimi Antonelli’s development, emphasizing that having a strong support network and family guidance is crucial for young drivers adapting to F1. He predicted that Antonelli would enter the 2026 season with increased confidence and has the potential for an “extraordinary career” in the sport, echoing Ferrari’s long-term focus on nurturing the next generation of talent.

As Ferrari looks ahead to the 2026 regulations and continues to manage a challenging 2025 campaign, Stefano Domenicali’s insights highlight both the pressures on established stars like Hamilton and the promise of emerging talents such as Antonelli. The Scuderia’s ability to balance experience with youth, resilience with innovation, will be pivotal in determining their success in the seasons to come.