12 Reasons You Can’t Judge Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Performance Yet
Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has captivated the Formula 1 world, with fans and experts closely watching how the seven-time World Champion adapts to this new chapter in his illustrious career. The move has brought with it a host of challenges and opportunities, as Hamilton navigates the intricacies of a new car, team dynamics, and heightened expectations. This article explores the multifaceted journey Hamilton is undertaking as he seeks to find his rhythm with Ferrari.
12. History Shows Many Drivers Need Time to Settle In
Transitions to new teams have often seen even elite drivers require several races—or seasons—to fully adapt. Michael Schumacher, for instance, initially struggled on his Ferrari debut before later dominating. Hamilton himself admits he’s “working hard to adjust” and says it’s uncertain how long that process takes.
11. High Expectations Amplify Perceived Struggles
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was one of the most anticipated driver switches in recent Formula 1 history, creating immense pressure. This spotlight has magnified every difficulty he’s experiencing while adapting to the SF-25, making normal adjustment challenges appear more dramatic than they truly are. Despite the struggles, Vasseur remains “2000% behind him” as Hamilton works to find his footing.
10. Comparison with Teammate Can Be Misleading
Judging Hamilton solely by comparing him to Charles Leclerc ignores crucial context. Both drivers have faced setbacks with Ferrari’s underperforming SF-25, and fluctuations in form can stem from car traits, development directions, or internal team dynamics—factors often invisible in raw statistics. Context is vital; numbers alone rarely tell the whole story.
9. Recent Upgrades Have Yet to Show Full Impact
Ferrari’s major upgrade package, including vital aerodynamic and suspension changes, is just starting to be introduced this season. These updates, targeted at boosting downforce and improving stability—areas crucial for Hamilton—are set to be fully deployed by the Spanish Grand Prix. Their true effect won’t be evident until several races after implementation.
8. Ferrari’s Car Still Under Development
The SF-25 may be “99% new” compared to its predecessor, with major upgrades including a switch from push-rod to pull-rod front suspension, but Ferrari’s 2025 season narrative revolves around “unlocking potential” from their car. Technical Director Loic Serra has focused on aerodynamic development while maintaining the same performance concept, suggesting Ferrari is still finding the car’s optimal operating window.
7. Adaptation to Ferrari’s Power Unit and Systems
Hamilton faces unprecedented technical challenges after 17 years with Mercedes power. He’s now learning Ferrari’s “completely different” steering system, engine braking techniques he’s never used before, and unfamiliar software systems. This fundamental change requires significant driving style modifications – a transition even experienced champions find difficult to master quickly.
6. Time Needed to Build Trust with Engineers
Lewis Hamilton’s long-standing partnership with Mercedes engineer Peter Bonnington can’t be instantly replicated at Ferrari. Adjusting to Riccardo Adami’s style takes time, as seen in their early radio exchanges—sometimes terse, but not unusual for a new collaboration. Trust and seamless communication develop only through shared experience and feedback.
5. Understanding Team Dynamics and Communication
Integrating with Ferrari means adapting to new team dynamics and communication styles—especially alongside Charles Leclerc, whose established role adds a layer of complexity. Building mutual trust and seamless collaboration takes time, and this adjustment period can influence both morale and on-track results early in the season.
4. Integration with Ferrari’s Unique Processes
Hamilton is still adapting to Ferrari’s distinctive operational environment. The team has privately compared his adjustment process to “putting on someone else’s ice skates or skis”—awkward at first, requiring time to find balance. Despite these challenges, Hamilton has emphasized that Ferrari has been supportive throughout his integration process.
3. Adjusting to a Completely Different Car Philosophy
Hamilton faces a steep learning curve adapting from Mercedes to Ferrari, as the SF-25 demands a radically different driving approach. Key challenges include adjusting to Ferrari’s Brembo brake systems and the car’s balance, which favors smoother inputs—contrasting with his late-braking style honed at Mercedes.
2. Learning to Work with a New Team
Adjusting to a new team is a major challenge even for a seven-time World Champion. Lewis Hamilton is still building relationships and learning Ferrari’s procedures after twelve years at Mercedes. Both he and the team acknowledge this is a process requiring patience, collaboration, and mutual adaptation over many months.
1. Still Early in the Adaptation Phase
Lewis Hamilton is only a few months into his Ferrari tenure, and both he and the team acknowledge that adapting to the SF-25 is a complex, ongoing process. Ferrari likens the challenge to learning to use someone else’s equipment, and Hamilton admits there’s no set timeline for full acclimatization.
Conclusion:
As Lewis Hamilton continues to adapt to life at Ferrari, it’s clear that patience, collaboration, and resilience are key to unlocking his full potential with the team. The challenges he faces are substantial, yet they are not insurmountable, as history has shown with other great drivers who eventually thrived after a period of adjustment. With support from his team and a commitment to overcoming obstacles, Hamilton stands poised to make significant strides in his quest for success with Ferrari, paving the way for future triumphs on the circuit.
