Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles: A Call for Support from the Mercedes Family
In a dramatic turn of events, Lewis Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has sparked intense debate among racing analysts and fans alike. Martin Brundle, a former F1 driver and current commentator, has boldly suggested that Hamilton’s challenges at the iconic Italian racing team stem from a lack of familiar support—a team that mirrors the legendary successes of Michael Schumacher.
Having joined Ferrari in 2025 after an illustrious 12-year reign at Mercedes, where he clinched six of his seven world championships, Hamilton entered Maranello with high hopes. However, the reality has been far from the success he envisioned. Despite a sprint race victory in China, Hamilton has not graced the podium in a single grand prix this season, with his highest finish being a disappointing fourth place in several races, including the Emilia Romagna and British Grands Prix.
Brundle poured his insights into the situation during a recent Sky Sports F1 broadcast, stating, “It has probably been more difficult than Lewis hoped or thought it would be at Ferrari.” He emphasized that Hamilton aspired to replicate Schumacher’s phenomenal success, which was made possible by the formidable team surrounding the German—key figures like Ross Brawn and Jean Todt were instrumental in transforming Ferrari into a powerhouse.
The question on everyone’s lips is: could Hamilton have fared better had he brought along some trusted allies from Mercedes? Brundle thinks so. He specifically mentioned Peter Bonnington, Hamilton’s longtime race engineer, affectionately known as Bono, and suggested that having him and other familiar faces could have eased Hamilton’s adaptation to the new environment. “I think Lewis needed more people around him,” Brundle remarked. “He was so embedded at Mercedes, he probably had 101 things around him every day that he probably didn’t even notice—the infrastructure, the focus.”
Jamie Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion, echoed Brundle’s sentiments, asserting that although Hamilton still possesses the talent to compete, the cultural shift at Ferrari has proven to be a monumental adjustment. “He has still got it, but across a whole season this year it hasn’t gelled, hasn’t clicked. I think a lot of that is the culture,” she stated.
As Hamilton battles to find his footing in a team steeped in rich history but currently struggling for performance, the burning question remains: can he revive his career in red? With the right resources and support, many believe he could unleash a resurgence worthy of his legendary status. The eyes of the F1 world are fixed on Hamilton as he navigates this challenging chapter, hoping to not only find success but also to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of motorsport.
