Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari in 2025 has not unfolded as many had hoped. According to former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports commentator Karun Chandhok, the initial races of the season reveal a troubling trend for the British racer. Reviewing the first five races, Chandhok suggests that Hamilton’s performance has been inconsistent, with the lone bright spot being his victory in the Sprint race in China. This win, however, is starting to feel like an anomaly in an otherwise challenging season.
During an episode of The F1 Show, Chandhok expressed his concerns: “What worries me is that the Sprint race in China is becoming a standalone event.” He emphasizes that the growing gap between Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc is particularly alarming. The statistics highlighted by Chandhok illustrate an increasingly widening performance gap: “In Australia, Lewis was 0.16 seconds behind Charles, in Japan it was 0.30 seconds, in Bahrain it was 0.59 seconds, and in Saudi Arabia, it was 0.60 seconds.”
Chandhok’s analysis points out that the situation is contrary to what one would expect from a driver who is settling into a new team. “This gap should be decreasing as Hamilton becomes more accustomed to the car, but instead, it’s moving in the opposite direction. In Jeddah, he seemed disheartened. Looking at the data, this can be psychologically devastating for a driver. It’s like thinking, ‘Where do I start?’” he added.
Ferrari, as a team, is also grappling with challenges in balancing performance between qualifying sessions and race days. However, the disparity in Hamilton’s performance compared to Leclerc has been particularly pronounced. While the Monegasque driver has showcased a level of consistency, the seven-time world champion is still striving to find his rhythm with the SF-25.
Although the season is still in its early stages, the anticipation surrounding Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is beginning to shift towards uncertainty, especially with Leclerc demonstrating growing reliability and competence. Fans and analysts alike are starting to question how Hamilton will adapt and whether he can turn things around as the season progresses.
The pressure on Hamilton is compounded by the fact that Ferrari has invested heavily in their car this season, aiming to compete at the highest level. The SF-25 was designed with the intention of being a frontrunner, and both drivers are expected to extract maximum performance. Leclerc has managed to do just that, consistently placing himself in contention, while Hamilton’s journey has been fraught with challenges.
The team dynamic at Ferrari plays a crucial role in this unfolding narrative. With Leclerc firmly establishing himself as a leading figure within the team, Hamilton must navigate the complexities of rivalry and collaboration simultaneously. The expectations for Hamilton are monumental; he is not just a driver but a brand, and his performance impacts not only his career but also the team’s morale and public perception.
Moreover, the technical aspects of the SF-25 have also raised questions. While both drivers have access to the same machinery, their ability to extract performance from the car can vary significantly based on driving style and feedback to the engineering team. Hamilton is known for his adaptability and skill, but the transition to a new car and team presents unique challenges. Understanding the nuances of the SF-25 and finding a setup that works for him will be critical in the coming races.
As the season advances, it will be interesting to see how Hamilton approaches the challenges ahead. The upcoming races will be pivotal in determining whether he can bridge the performance gap with Leclerc and regain his footing in the championship race. Fans are eager to see if Hamilton can leverage his vast experience to turn the tide in his favor.
Additionally, the psychological aspect of racing cannot be overlooked. The pressure to perform at a high level can lead to increased scrutiny and self-doubt, especially when results do not meet expectations. Hamilton’s ability to maintain focus and resilience will be tested as he works to improve his standing within the team and the championship.
Ferrari’s management will also play a crucial role in navigating this situation. Supporting Hamilton during this transitional phase and ensuring that he has the resources and encouragement needed to succeed could be key factors in his performance. The team must foster an environment where both drivers can thrive, as their success is intertwined with Ferrari’s overall goals for the season.
In summary, while Lewis Hamilton’s tenure with Ferrari has not yet met the high expectations set for him, the season is still in its infancy. With several races ahead, there remains the potential for improvement and adaptation. The racing world will be watching closely to see if Hamilton can rise to the occasion and turn his fortunes around in the upcoming events.
As the narrative unfolds, the focus will remain on how Hamilton adjusts his approach, capitalizes on the support from Ferrari, and whether he can close the gap with Leclerc. The dynamics of the team and the pressures of the sport will continue to shape this intriguing storyline in Formula 1, and fans are eager to see how it will all play out.
