Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of clinching the Formula 1 2025 Drivers’ Championship are fading fast, with experts already suggesting he has conceded defeat after just five races into the season. The seven-time world champion finds himself trailing 16 points behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, and a staggering 68 points behind current championship leader Oscar Piastri.
Following a disappointing seventh-place finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton openly admitted that there is no quick fix for the issues plaguing him and his team at Ferrari. F1 journalist Brandon Sutton believes that Hamilton may be relinquishing his title hopes for this year, focusing instead on acclimating to his new team and car.
With Hamilton facing an uphill battle to catch up with his rivals, including McLaren and Red Bull, speculation arises that Ferrari and the British driver could shift their focus to the 2026 season when new F1 engine regulations come into play. F1 expert Ewan Gale suggests that Hamilton’s remarks about Ferrari’s struggles could be a hint at their long-term strategy for the upcoming seasons.
Despite Hamilton’s renowned resilience in the face of adversity, concerns loom over Ferrari’s ability to address the car’s characteristics that are hindering his performance. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Hamilton will continue to fight for the championship or prioritize preparations for the future.
The 2025 F1 season is shaping up to be a challenging one for Lewis Hamilton, raising questions about his championship aspirations and the strategic direction of Scuderia Ferrari.