In a season filled with high expectations, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is finding his transition to Ferrari more challenging than anticipated. As the Formula 1 season unfolds, Hamilton currently sits in seventh place in the individual standings after five races, having accumulated only 31 points. His struggles are starkly contrasted by the solid performances of his teammate Charles Leclerc, who has already made it to the podium.
Hamilton's journey with Ferrari began with much fanfare, as fans and pundits alike anticipated a successful partnership that could potentially lead him to an unprecedented eighth world title. However, reality has proven to be far more complex. The Briton's results thus far have been disappointing, with finishes of tenth in Australia, seventh in Japan, and Saudi Arabia, and a fifth-place finish in Bahrain being his best result. In the sprint qualification at the China Grand Prix, he did manage to secure pole position, but the excitement was short-lived as he finished sixth in the main race and was later disqualified alongside Leclerc due to a technical violation by the team.
Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull in auto racing, has weighed in on Hamilton's situation, describing it as "desperate." In an interview with F1 Insider, Marko suggested that Hamilton might be banking on the upcoming technical changes expected in 2026. "It seems that he is indeed in a desperate position. He is probably waiting for the 2026 season car and hoping that Ferrari can not only meet the regulations but also build a car that he can handle better," Marko stated.
Hamilton's struggles are not solely attributable to the car. The technical issues, poor strategic decisions from the team, and the underwhelming performance of the SF-25 have all contributed to a rocky start. Despite Ferrari's promises of a competitive vehicle, they have yet to deliver on those expectations. Hamilton's adaptation to the car has been particularly challenging, especially in high-speed corners, where he has struggled to find the right balance and grip.
Former Formula 1 driver Guido van der Garde pointed out that Hamilton is also facing a generational barrier, competing against younger drivers who are more adept at handling modern cars. "The times have changed, as have the drivers Hamilton is competing against. I think right now that is a problem he can't shake off. If we went back to cars from five or six years ago, Lewis would be the best. But with the new generation of cars, he has to fight much harder. You can't change your driving style overnight. You can try one thing and then another, but you always revert to your base," van der Garde explained.
As the season progresses, Hamilton's confidence seems to be waning. Initially, he expressed optimism about Ferrari's project, indicating a willingness to work diligently on every detail. However, his recent comments reflect a growing sense of fatigue and disappointment. The coveted eighth title, once seen as a mere formality, now appears increasingly elusive. "Honestly, I don't know anything about next year's car. I'm not spending time thinking about it. Let's hope there will be less ground effect and the situation changes a bit. I just have to be patient. I know the fans are unhappy, and I'm sure the management and the team are not thrilled either. But I'm not satisfied with my results either," Hamilton shared with MotorsportWeek.
Ralf Schumacher, another former F1 driver, suggested that Hamilton might be entering a phase of acceptance regarding his current predicament. There are concerns that he may soon seek a quieter life, one where he no longer has to chase victories. Having spent so long at the top, being in a position where he is merely a participant rather than a frontrunner can be mentally taxing. "I know what it's like: when nothing is going right and you're driving terribly slowly, your spirits drop, and you don't want to do anything anymore. How will this all end? If it continues like this, by mid-season, Lewis might ask himself, 'What am I doing with myself? Why? I'm not enjoying my job anymore, and I'm just hindering the team. I'm 40 years old, I'm rich, I don't want to race anymore,'" Schumacher noted.
Amidst these challenges, Hamilton is exploring new avenues outside of racing. Over the past few years, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the fashion industry, becoming one of the most recognizable athletes in the world of haute couture. Two years ago, he became the official ambassador for Dior Homme, collaborating on capsule collections and making appearances at major fashion events like the Met Gala, where he is set to co-chair this year.
Hamilton's latest venture involves a capsule collection with Dior, inspired by his travels through Africa. His experiences in countries such as Senegal, Benin, Madagascar, Morocco, and Mozambique have deeply influenced his creative direction. "I wanted to present the future of 'Black' culture — through art, science, and aesthetics," Hamilton expressed. The collection features bold prints, oversized silhouettes, and elements that reflect the vibrant cultures he encountered during his travels. The release of the Dior and Lewis collaboration is scheduled for July 3.
As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, taking place from May 2 to 4, fans are hopeful that Hamilton can turn his fortunes around. The pressure is on for the legendary driver to showcase his true potential and reclaim his status among the elite competitors in the sport. With the season still in its early stages, there's still time for Hamilton to find his rhythm and make a significant impact.
