There is only one priority on Lewis Hamilton’s mind heading into 2026: redemption. His arrival at Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season generated enormous expectations, but the British champion endured a difficult year, finishing without a single podium and delivering inconsistent performances. The transition to life in Maranello proved more complex than anticipated, influenced by cultural and technical differences compared to his long tenure at Mercedes, as well as the challenge of adapting to the SF-25 and its engine characteristics.
A promising start followed by a downturn
Lewis Hamilton showed flashes of his trademark brilliance early on, claiming pole position and a Sprint Race victory in China. That performance caught many by surprise and reignited optimism among Ferrari fans. However, as the season progressed, qualifying struggles became increasingly evident and began to undermine his overall results.
“The first part of the season was more encouraging, but the three Q1 eliminations towards the end were painful to watch for any fan,” said Marcin Budkowski, former Alpine executive director, highlighting how crucial qualifying issues affected Lewis Hamilton’s overall performance.
Pressure on Ferrari ahead of 2026
Despite several finishes close to the podium, Lewis Hamilton was never able to find the consistency required to regularly fight at the front. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc delivered more stable results across the season, gradually widening the gap between the two Ferrari team-mates.
The 2025 campaign underlined the urgency for Ferrari to adapt to new engine regulations and technical challenges ahead of 2026, in order to put Lewis Hamilton back in a position to compete at the highest level. “It is clear that a lot of hard work will be needed to maximise the team’s potential and give Lewis the tools to respond on track,” Marcin Budkowski added.
Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 season in Maranello is therefore likely to be remembered as a transitional year, marked by encouraging moments but also by clear limitations. Those difficulties raise important questions about the immediate future of the Ferrari–Lewis Hamilton partnership as Formula 1 enters the new 2026 era.
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