Lewis Hamilton’s Struggles: A Champion in Crisis as ‘Double Life’ Exposed
In a shocking twist for Formula 1 fans, Lewis Hamilton, a name synonymous with dominance and glory in motorsport, finds himself grappling with an alarming identity crisis. The seven-time world champion, now donning Ferrari colors, is described as “living a sort of double life” by former F1 star Ivan Capelli. Hamilton’s struggles on the track have raised eyebrows and questions about his future, as he fails to deliver the performances that once defined his illustrious career.
Hamilton’s inaugural season with Ferrari has been marked by disappointment, with the 40-year-old yet to secure a podium finish in his first 14 races. This stark contrast to his illustrious past has left many in the racing community stunned. At the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton appeared dejected and lost, qualifying a dismal 12th while his teammate, Charles Leclerc, soared to pole position. The disparity is undeniable and speaks volumes about Hamilton’s current predicament.
Amid his struggles, Hamilton has openly aired his frustrations, branding himself “useless” and even hinting at the possibility of being replaced by Ferrari. In a moment of vulnerability, he expressed uncertainty about his continued participation in the F1 2025 season, stating, “hopefully, I’ll be back,” while clinging to the notion that “the fight’s not over – don’t count me out.” However, a more troubling revelation emerged during his reflections in Budapest, where he hinted at “a lot going on in the background that’s not great” at the iconic Ferrari team.
Capelli, with his own experience racing for Ferrari in the early 90s, believes that Hamilton is slowly coming to terms with the harsh reality that he may no longer compete at the pinnacle of the sport. “He can’t find an answer to his driving problems,” Capelli lamented, highlighting a poignant shift in Hamilton’s demeanor. “I saw him lose the smile he had in his eyes. What was his strength, which was to take the team by the hand in difficult moments, he can no longer do it.”
Behind the scenes, Hamilton is actively seeking solutions. He has submitted a series of “documents” to Ferrari, outlining his proposed changes aimed at reviving his career. These suggestions reportedly encompass adjustments to the car, improvements in communication between various departments, and a streamlined execution of race weekends. Yet, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, particularly in adapting to Ferrari’s unique engine braking system, which has proven to be a significant hurdle.
Hamilton’s difficulties were starkly highlighted during the sprint qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix, where a strange spin left spectators questioning his command of the SF-25 car. He pointed to a mysterious new component as a potential culprit, further emphasizing the complexities he faces. The nuances of Ferrari’s engine braking system continue to baffle him, depriving him of the braking feel he thrived on at Mercedes.
As the F1 2025 season gears up for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Hamilton’s future remains shrouded in uncertainty. He has even sought insights into Ferrari’s power unit in preparation for the new F1 2026 regulations, hoping to resolve the technical issues that plague him. The stark reality is that the challenge of adapting to Ferrari’s Brembo brakes, in contrast to the rival Carbon Industrie used at Mercedes, is just another obstacle in a season filled with trials.
In a sport where precision and confidence are paramount, Hamilton’s plight serves as a stark reminder that even the greatest can falter. Will the champion rise from the ashes, or is this the beginning of an unforeseen decline? As fans hold their breath, the world watches closely to see if Lewis Hamilton can reclaim his place among the elite, or if he will remain trapped in this disheartening double life.
