Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has sparked intense debate across the motorsport world. The seven-time world champion, now at 39, is embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career by joining the most storied team in F1 history. However, 2016 champion Nico Rosberg has cast doubt on Hamilton’s ability to rise to the challenge, warning that his struggles in the qualifying department and the formidable competition posed by Charles Leclerc could lead to a “painful adventure.”
Rosberg’s Stark Verdict on Hamilton’s Ferrari Challenge
Hamilton’s Ferrari stint comes after a tough 2024 season with Mercedes, where he finished seventh in the Drivers’ Championship—his worst finish in over a decade. The Briton was outpaced by teammate George Russell in 19 out of 24 qualifying sessions, a trend that highlighted his struggles with Mercedes’ W15 car. Speaking on Hamilton’s future at Ferrari, Nico Rosberg didn’t hold back.
“Now, he has two years at Ferrari, and he will 100% be very, very worried,” Rosberg said. “If this form continues, it would really be quite a painful adventure because that’s not what Ferrari hired him for. Ferrari hired him to be on a level with Leclerc and fight for World Championships.”
Rosberg’s skepticism stems from Hamilton’s recent performances, which suggest a decline in his qualifying prowess—a critical aspect of modern Formula 1. Paired with Leclerc, widely regarded as one of the fastest drivers over a single lap, Hamilton’s challenges may only increase at Ferrari.
A Rocky Road to Redemption
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari comes at a pivotal moment in his career. With two years on his contract, this could be the swan song of his F1 journey. Yet, questions remain about whether he can return to his dominant form in a team notorious for its internal pressures and sky-high expectations from the passionate Tifosi.
Hamilton’s performance in the ground-effect era of F1 cars has been underwhelming. While Mercedes’ struggles with underperforming machinery played a role, Hamilton’s inability to fully adapt and extract the maximum from his car has been another contributing factor.
Despite this, Rosberg hopes his former teammate can rediscover his mojo:
“We can only hope that he finds his good old self with a reset at Ferrari and is, once again, the brilliant driver we know.”
A Make-or-Break Moment
As the second-oldest driver on the grid, Hamilton’s time in F1 is ticking away. The Ferrari chapter of his career represents an all-or-nothing gamble. Success could cement his legacy as a driver who thrived in any environment, but failure could tarnish his reputation as one of the sport’s greatest.
The stakes are further amplified by his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver finished 2024 as Ferrari’s shining star, narrowly missing out on the Constructors’ Championship and consistently outperforming Carlos Sainz. For Hamilton, matching or surpassing Leclerc will be the ultimate test.
Can Hamilton Deliver Under Ferrari’s Pressure Cooker?
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is not just a move; it’s a seismic event in the F1 landscape. The expectations from Ferrari’s Tifosi fanbase are immense, and the pressure to deliver will be relentless. If Hamilton can overcome his recent struggles, adapt to Ferrari’s unique challenges, and rekindle the brilliance of his prime years, the 2025 season could mark a remarkable comeback.
But if his qualifying woes persist, and Leclerc dominates the garage, Hamilton’s Ferrari dream could quickly turn into a nightmare. The motorsport world waits with bated breath to see whether the legend can rise once more.
