Lewis Hamilton Faces Challenges with Ferrari in 2025

Lewis Hamilton has been under scrutiny for his performance with Ferrari during the 2025 racing season. The seven-time world champion has experienced a series of setbacks that have led to increased criticism, particularly from former driver Anthony Davidson. Davidson recently shared his thoughts on Hamilton’s self-reflection amid the struggles he has faced with the iconic Italian team.

The Struggles of the SF-25

One of the most significant challenges Hamilton has encountered this season is the unstable rear end of the SF-25 car. This issue has been a major barrier for him as he attempts to adapt to his new environment within the team. During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton openly criticized his performance, describing himself as “useless” after being eliminated in the second qualifying round (Q2). Meanwhile, his teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole position, highlighting the disparity in their performances this season.

Hamilton’s frustrations have been palpable, especially given that he has only achieved a single victory in the sprint race in China, with the rest of the results proving disappointing for both him and the team. This inconsistency has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.

Anthony Davidson’s Perspective

In a recent interview with FORMULE 1 magazine, Davidson expressed his surprise at Hamilton’s current predicament, stating, “It pains me to mention Lewis Hamilton in this context. It’s truly unbelievable that I have to say this in an analysis. We heard everything he said about himself in Budapest. It’s disheartening when an athlete with such an incredible track record doubts themselves to this extent. It raises significant concerns for the team.”

Davidson’s commentary underscores the weight of expectations that accompany a driver of Hamilton’s caliber. The pressure to perform at the highest level is immense, and the current performance issues have undoubtedly affected Hamilton’s confidence.

A Predictable Downturn

Reflecting on Hamilton’s situation, Davidson suggested that the current struggles were somewhat predictable. He drew a parallel between Hamilton’s experience and that of Valentino Rossi during his time with Ducati, emphasizing that nothing in motorsport can be taken for granted. “No one is invincible; everyone is susceptible to challenges. Nothing lasts forever. Adapting to a new car can be incredibly difficult for any driver,” Davidson noted.

The introduction of new regulations has undeniably altered the competitive landscape of Formula 1, and Davidson believes it has contributed to Hamilton’s difficulties. “Since the new regulations came into effect, Lewis has not been the same. Although I sometimes still see glimpses of the old Lewis during races, he seems to have lost that natural feel and complete control of the car,” he added.

The Path Forward

Despite the current hurdles, Davidson remains optimistic about Hamilton’s potential to rebound. He stated, “If he continues to keep his head up and works through this challenging phase, there is a possibility he can return to form next year. I genuinely hope to see him back in contention.”

Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari has yet to yield podium finishes, and he currently sits sixth in the drivers’ championship with 109 points. In contrast, Leclerc is in fifth place with 151 points and has secured five podium finishes this season, illustrating the gap between the two drivers.

Conclusion

As Hamilton navigates this challenging season with Ferrari, the insights from Anthony Davidson serve as a reminder of the pressures faced by elite athletes in high-stakes environments. The road ahead may be fraught with difficulties, but the potential for a comeback remains within reach for a driver of Hamilton’s talent and experience. The Formula 1 community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how he adapts and evolves in the face of adversity.

In the dynamic world of Formula 1, where performance and technology constantly shift, Hamilton’s ability to adjust and thrive will be critical not just for his career, but for the future of Ferrari as well. The coming races will be telling as Hamilton seeks to regain his footing and prove that he is still a formidable force on the track.