When Lewis Hamilton announced his stunning transfer to Ferrari, the Formula 1 world erupted in excitement. The seven-time world champion’s arrival at Maranello was seen as the perfect blend of history, glamour, and success. Social media platforms exploded with reactions, symbolizing just how monumental this move was for the sport.
Hamilton’s first post as a Ferrari driver quickly became a phenomenon. The image — showing him standing in front of Enzo Ferrari’s house with an iconic Ferrari F40 behind him — shattered engagement records. It became the most-liked Formula 1 Instagram post in history, even surpassing Charles Leclerc’s Monza 2024 celebration. It was a moment that captured the imagination of fans and showcased how powerful Lewis Hamilton’s global influence remains.
But as the months passed and the 2025 season unfolded, the glamorous Instagram dream began to unravel. After 21 races, Lewis Hamilton’s first year in red has been far from the fairytale many expected. With no podium finishes, no pole positions, and only a Sprint Race victory in Shanghai to show for his efforts, the British driver’s results have been alarmingly underwhelming for someone of his calibre.
Robert Doornbos criticizes Hamilton’s Ferrari stint: “Instagram versus reality”
According to former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos, Hamilton’s season has turned into a nightmare. Speaking on The Pit Talk Podcast, Robert Doornbos suggested that Hamilton may have been misled by the romanticized image of Ferrari, describing it as the “Instagram version” of the legendary team that didn’t match reality once the racing began.
Robert Doornbos argued that Lewis Hamilton entered Ferrari expecting passion, precision, and performance, but instead found disorganization, lack of synergy, and internal tension. He added that both qualifying and race pace have been disappointing, with communication issues and low morale only making things worse. The Dutchman went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing Ferrari driver campaigns in history — a damning statement given the team’s storied past.
Hamilton’s Ferrari results fall below expectations
Statistics back up the criticism to an extent. Lewis Hamilton has finished in the top five only six times this season and currently sits sixth in the championship standings with 148 points. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, has earned seven podiums and sits 66 points ahead, highlighting the gap between the two Ferrari drivers.
Yet, some experts believe the harsh criticism is exaggerated. Ferrari’s 2025 campaign has been riddled with strategic errors and technical missteps that have limited both drivers. Hamilton’s experience and adaptability can only compensate so much for a car that hasn’t delivered on its early promise.
Internal tension grows inside Maranello
Behind the scenes, tensions appear to be rising. Reports suggest that Ferrari chairman John Elkann has grown frustrated with Lewis Hamilton’s public remarks, allegedly advising the British driver to “talk less and drive more.” Elkann reportedly believes the car’s competitiveness has improved and that responsibility for results lies with the drivers.
However, insiders close to the team suggest that team principal Frédéric Vasseur bears much of the blame. He is said to have pushed for specific upgrade packages — against Lewis Hamilton’s recommendations — that ultimately failed to deliver improvements. Those decisions not only hindered the SF-25’s development but also created friction within the technical team.
Ferrari’s 2025 struggles go beyond Hamilton
The core issue remains Ferrari’s difficulty in extracting consistent performance from the SF-25. The car’s unpredictable balance, tire degradation problems, and lack of top-end pace have left both drivers frustrated. Hamilton, in particular, has reportedly found it hard to adapt his driving style to the car’s erratic rear-end behavior.
Despite his struggles, Lewis Hamilton has continued to emphasize teamwork and long-term goals. The British driver is believed to be deeply involved in development meetings, pushing for a clearer direction for 2026 as Formula 1’s new regulations approach. Many insiders believe that his experience could still prove crucial in shaping Ferrari’s next-generation car.
Looking ahead to 2026: A test of patience and persistence
For Lewis Hamilton, this season has been a harsh reminder that joining Ferrari is not just about prestige — it’s about enduring the pressure and rebuilding a legacy. The romantic image of driving in red may have been the dream, but the reality of competing in a transitional team has been far more complex.
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