Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari are raising eyebrows as former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola draws comparisons between Hamilton’s current situation alongside Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel’s difficulties in 2019. Despite the unsettling comparison, Mazzola points out that the core issue lies with Ferrari’s SF-25 challenger.
The 2025 F1 season has been arduous for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc achieving P4 finishes in Japan and Bahrain as their best results so far. Hamilton, on the other hand, has not managed to outpace Leclerc in any Grand Prix since his move from Mercedes. While winning the China Sprint from pole position provided a glimmer of hope, Hamilton’s performance has been lackluster in comparison to his teammate.
Mazzola highlights similarities between Hamilton’s current predicament and Vettel’s challenges in 2019 when Leclerc entered the scene at Ferrari. Drawing a parallel to Vettel’s decline in form, Mazzola emphasizes the importance of adapting driving styles to suit the demanding nature of the Ferrari car.
Team principal Fred Vasseur commends Hamilton’s self-critical attitude, seeing it as a positive step towards improvement. Vasseur acknowledges the time needed for Hamilton to adjust to the new team and car, emphasizing the collaborative effort required for success in Formula 1.
Despite Hamilton’s initial disappointment after qualifying in Bahrain, where he expressed the need to improve, his recovery from P9 to P5 in the race showcased progress. Hamilton’s evolving understanding of the Ferrari car and his adaptability demonstrate a potential turning point as he aims to close the performance gap with Leclerc.
As Hamilton reflects on the learning curve and adjustments needed to optimize his driving style and car setup, the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix presents another opportunity for him to showcase his resilience and determination to succeed at Ferrari.
