Lewis Hamilton – Foto: Instagram
Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is facing a storm of criticism in his debut season with Ferrari in 2025. After a disappointing 12th-place finish in qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the 40-year-old Briton labeled himself “useless” and suggested the team might consider replacing him, a stark contrast to teammate Charles Leclerc’s pole position. The comments, made in July 2025 at Hungaroring, drew sharp criticism from former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, who compared Hamilton’s attitude to that of legends Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. The episode has highlighted Hamilton’s struggles to adapt to the Italian team, sparking debates about his leadership and future with Ferrari. Despite the challenges, Ferrari holds second place in the constructors’ championship with 260 points, while Hamilton seeks to regain his form.
The 2025 season has tested Hamilton’s resilience. Without a podium in 14 races, he grapples with technical issues in the SF-25 car and the pressure of integrating into Ferrari’s unique culture. His public self-criticism has caused unease, with Alesi suggesting it could demotivate the team, a stance rarely seen among Ferrari’s historic champions.
- Technical hurdles: SF-25 struggles with instability in high-speed corners.
- Emotional toll: Hamilton admits to psychological strain from the transition.
- Historical contrast: His remarks differ from Senna and Schumacher’s mindset.
Jean Alesi’s critique and Ferrari’s legacy
Jean Alesi, a Ferrari driver from 1991 to 1995, sharply criticized Hamilton in an interview with Corriere della Sera. He argued that legends like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher would never publicly call themselves “useless,” as such comments could undermine team morale. Alesi emphasized that Ferrari demands resilience and leadership, qualities Hamilton must display to navigate his current challenges.
Senna, renowned for his relentless drive, and Schumacher, who won five world titles with Ferrari, faced their own struggles but maintained a combative stance. Schumacher, for instance, secured three victories in his 1996 debut season despite an uncompetitive car. Alesi’s remarks suggest Hamilton, with his seven titles, needs to adopt a more inspiring approach to lead Ferrari through adversity.
Hamilton’s 2025 performance
Hamilton’s season has been marked by inconsistency. His standout result was a sprint race win in China, but in main races, he has only managed three fourth-place finishes (Imola, Spielberg, and Silverstone). In contrast, Charles Leclerc, with 151 points, has secured four podiums, highlighting their differing adaptation to the SF-25. Hamilton sits sixth in the drivers’ standings with 109 points.
- Race results: Fourth place in Imola, Spielberg, and Silverstone as best finishes.
- Sprint race: Victory in China, Hamilton’s only highlight.
- Qualifying: Fourth place in Austria as his top grid position.
- Leclerc gap: Trails teammate by 42 points in the championship.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur defended Hamilton, attributing his struggles to car limitations, such as tire issues in Hungary. He noted that Hamilton was just 0.247 seconds behind Leclerc in Q2, suggesting the performance gap is smaller than it appears.
Emotional weight of the Ferrari move
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes, where he won six titles over 12 years, to Ferrari has been emotionally taxing. Speaking to Sky Sports, he described the season as “intense” and admitted to anticipating “tears” during the August 2025 summer break, signaling a need for reflection. Despite the challenges, Hamilton reaffirmed his love for racing and praised the passion of Ferrari’s team members.
The pressure of racing for Ferrari, with its passionate fanbase and storied history, is immense. Comparisons to other champions like Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, who faced their own struggles at Ferrari, are inevitable. Hamilton’s openness, while admired, contrasts with the stoic leadership expected at Maranello.
Technical upgrades at Ferrari
Ferrari introduced significant updates to the SF-25, including a new floor at the Austrian Grand Prix, which Hamilton described as “significant” after a fourth-place finish. However, telemetry revealed time losses in specific corners, such as Turn 4 at the Red Bull Ring, where Leclerc lost nearly half a second to race leader Lando Norris.
- New floor: Improved performance but didn’t fully address instability.
- Race pace: Ferrari shows strength in long stints.
- Qualifying struggles: Team struggles to maximize single-lap pace.
- Rear instability: Persistent issue in high-speed corners.
Leclerc acknowledged that updates narrowed the gap to McLaren, but consistency remains a challenge. Ferrari is weighing whether to prioritize 2026, when new regulations could level the playing field.
Ferrari’s championship standing
Ferrari holds second in the constructors’ championship with 260 points, trailing McLaren by 191 points. Leclerc’s consistency, with three podiums in the last four races before the summer break, has been vital. Hamilton’s pointless finish in Hungary intensified scrutiny, with some speculating about young talents like Gabriel Bortoleto as potential replacements.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali defended Hamilton, praising his resilience and value to the sport. The summer break offers Hamilton a chance to regroup and work on technical solutions with the team.
Outlook for Monza and beyond
The Italian Grand Prix in Monza, set for September 2025, will be a critical moment for Hamilton, with Ferrari’s home fans expecting a strong showing. The team plans further upgrades, focusing on qualifying performance. Hamilton’s experience with regulation changes, such as those in 2014, could prove valuable for Ferrari’s 2026 preparations.
- Monza expectations: High pressure to perform for Italian fans.
- Upgrades: Focus on improving qualifying pace.
- 2026 potential: Hamilton’s experience may benefit new regulations.
Hamilton’s legacy at Ferrari
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari was a historic moment, but the expectations are monumental. Compared to Senna and Schumacher, he faces the challenge of leading a team with a rich legacy. His transparency, while a strength, clashes with the stoic leadership Alesi associates with Ferrari’s past champions.
Hamilton has overcome tough seasons before, such as 2009 and 2011 at McLaren, and his experience could help Ferrari build a competitive car for 2026. For now, he must navigate criticism and prove his leadership at Maranello.
