Lewis Hamilton struggles at Ferrari: David Coulthard and Jenson Button weigh in. Lewis Hamilton's start at Ferrari has been marked by struggles with the SF-25.

Lewis Hamilton’s early months as a Scuderia Ferrari driver in the 2025 Formula 1 season have been far from smooth, and the seven-time world champion’s difficulties have not gone unnoticed. Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard recently offered a blunt assessment, describing Hamilton’s adaptation to life in red as “uncomfortable to watch,” referencing the visible struggles the British driver has faced in adjusting to the Ferrari SF-25 and adapting to the demanding environment of Maranello.

The transition to Ferrari, one of the most iconic and pressure-filled teams in motorsport, has proven more complex than anticipated for Lewis Hamilton. Despite his vast experience and unmatched record in the sport, the early part of the season has seen him battling with a car that does not yet seem to suit his driving style. This lack of immediate success has sparked discussion across the paddock and among fans, particularly given the high expectations surrounding his move from Mercedes to Ferrari.

Mounting Frustration for Hamilton — But Hope Lies in Spa

Ferrari is now pinning its hopes on a key technical update to the rear suspension of the SF-25, which is scheduled to debut at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The aim is clear: to provide Lewis Hamilton with a more stable and responsive car that will allow him to consistently fight for podium finishes during the second half of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship season.

While some small improvements have been noted in recent races, Hamilton’s frustration has been building steadily due to the lack of tangible results. The move to Ferrari was expected to be a fresh chapter in his career—one that could potentially deliver an eighth world title—but so far, the reality has been far more challenging.

Former world champion Jenson Button, who was Hamilton’s teammate at McLaren from 2010 to 2012, also weighed in on the situation. “It must be incredibly frustrating for him not to be able to get the most out of the car,” Button explained. “Joining a team like Ferrari is never easy. It’s an organization with a very distinct culture, deeply rooted in Italian traditions and working styles. Charles [Leclerc] is fully integrated—he speaks the language fluently and knows the team inside and out. For Lewis, everything is new. But if there’s anyone who can adapt and become competitive again, it’s him.”

Time Is Needed, But So Are Results

Despite the early difficulties, the consensus in the paddock is that Lewis Hamilton simply needs time to adapt. However, time alone is not enough—results are now essential. Ferrari, currently fielding what many consider the strongest driver line-up on the grid with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, cannot afford to rely on just one consistently competitive driver.

The Maranello-based team needs both of its stars delivering top performances to stay in the fight for podiums, victories, and ultimately, titles. The second half of the 2025 season will be crucial not only for Lewis Hamilton’s personal turnaround but also for Ferrari’s ambitions as it builds toward the 2026 regulation overhaul.