Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, is facing a truth that some may find hard to swallow, according to former F1 star Nick Heidfeld. Heidfeld bluntly stated that there are noticeable differences in Hamilton compared to his younger self, and age might be a factor in his current struggles at Ferrari.
Since Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in F1 2025, expectations were high for the British driver to shine in his new team. However, the transition has not been as smooth as anticipated. Despite a victorious moment in the China Sprint, Hamilton has been overshadowed by his teammate Charles Leclerc in terms of performance and qualifying results.
Heidfeld, a veteran of the Formula 1 podium, shared his insights on Hamilton’s situation, acknowledging that while there might still be more to come from Hamilton, the reality is that he is no longer the youngest driver on the grid. He emphasized the changes he has observed in Hamilton’s driving style over the years, a fact that might be challenging for some fans to accept.
Drawing a comparison to Michael Schumacher’s comeback with Mercedes, Heidfeld noted that Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari differs significantly as he had been continuously driving in F1. Adjusting to a new team and car after years of familiarity at Mercedes could be a contributing factor to Hamilton’s current performance struggles.
Following a mixed bag of results, including a season-best P4 finish in Imola and a challenging race in Monaco, Hamilton remains optimistic about progress. Despite setbacks, he is determined to improve his performance and adapt to the changes brought about by switching teams.
As the F1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he navigates the challenges posed by a new team and strives to reclaim his dominance on the track. The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix will provide another opportunity for Hamilton to showcase his skills and work towards closing the gap to his competitors.
With each race weekend presenting new obstacles and opportunities, Hamilton’s journey at Ferrari promises to be a captivating narrative in the world of Formula 1. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if the seven-time champion can overcome the odds and cement his legacy in this new chapter of his racing career.