Ferrari Frustration Lewis Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is proving to be far more challenging than expected, as shown in the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion had another difficult weekend, finishing well behind his teammate Charles Leclerc and admitting that his connection with the car is still far from ideal.
The Saudi GP, held on the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit, highlighted Hamilton’s continued struggles to get comfortable in his new Ferrari. He qualified in a disappointing seventh place, while Leclerc secured a much stronger fourth position. Throughout the weekend, Hamilton looked out of rhythm, unable to match the pace of his teammate or the front-running Red Bulls and McLarens.
A Hard Start to Life in Red
Hamilton joined Ferrari for the 2025 season after a legendary career with Mercedes. The move was one of the biggest shake-ups in recent F1 history and brought massive expectations. Fans around the world hoped to see a dream pairing: a legendary driver in the sport’s most iconic team. However, so far, the results have not lived up to the hype.
From the opening race, Hamilton has appeared to struggle with the feel and setup of the Ferrari SF-25. Unlike the Mercedes he was used to, this car behaves very differently — especially in terms of braking and cornering balance. According to Hamilton, the engine braking and overall handling just haven’t suited his driving style.
“It’s been tough,” Hamilton said. “I’m trying everything I can to adapt, but it’s taking time. It’s a very different machine than what I’ve driven for the last 10 years.”
He added that even making it into Q3 during qualifying felt like a small victory because of how uncomfortable the car still feels under him.
A Growing Gap With Leclerc
While Hamilton continues to search for confidence in the car, Charles Leclerc seems much more at ease. The Monegasque driver has consistently outpaced Hamilton in both qualifying and races. In Jeddah, the gap between them was over half a second in qualifying alone — a massive margin in modern F1 terms.
Leclerc’s comfort with the car speaks volumes. Having driven for Ferrari since 2019, he understands the nuances of how the car reacts and how to extract its performance. That contrast is becoming more obvious with each race.
This is not to say Hamilton is not working hard. In fact, the team has noted how dedicated he has been behind the scenes. Countless hours have been spent analyzing data, adjusting setups, and working with engineers to better understand the car. But for now, it seems the results are not matching the effort.
Ferrari’s Internal Struggles
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur remains optimistic despite the slow start. He believes all the pieces are in place — a strong driver lineup, a talented team, and a solid car. But he admits the team still needs time to bring it all together.
“We have all the ingredients,” Vasseur recently said. “Now we just need to find the right recipe.”
This comment reflects the ongoing effort to get Hamilton fully integrated into the team and up to speed. It’s not just about the car — it’s also about communication, understanding how to set it up for each driver, and building chemistry between engineers and drivers. All of that takes time.
Internally, there’s no panic yet. The season is still young, and Hamilton’s experience and talent are undeniable. But patience will be tested if results don’t begin to improve soon.
Hamilton’s Mental Strength Still Intact
Despite the rough start, Hamilton remains mentally strong. Known for his resilience, the Briton has overcome difficult patches in the past, and this is no different. He has repeatedly told the media that he’s not giving up and is committed to making the Ferrari partnership work.
“When there’s a will, there’s a way,” Hamilton said after the race. “This team has so much potential. I believe in what we’re doing — it’s just going to take a little more time to unlock it.”
His experience is also valuable for Ferrari. Even if the performances aren’t quite there yet, Hamilton brings a wealth of knowledge about how to develop a car, manage races, and lead a team under pressure. His influence behind the scenes could prove just as important as his on-track results.
What Happens Next?
Looking ahead, the pressure is on for both Hamilton and Ferrari to show progress. The next few races will be crucial. If Hamilton can begin to close the gap to Leclerc and feel more confident in the car, the narrative could shift quickly. But if the struggles continue, questions will start to grow louder about whether this partnership can truly deliver the success both sides are chasing.
There are also whispers about possible upgrades to the SF-25 that could better suit Hamilton’s style. The team is expected to bring some changes in the next few rounds — particularly aimed at improving rear-end stability and braking feel.
Fans, meanwhile, are hoping to see glimpses of the old Lewis Hamilton — the one who delivered breathtaking qualifying laps and unbeatable race craft. It may not happen overnight, but few doubt that he still has what it takes.
Conclusion: A Bumpy Road, But Hope Remains
Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari was always going to be a bold move. So far, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. But this is F1 — nothing is ever easy. What matters now is how both the driver and team respond to this early adversity.
Hamilton’s commitment is clear. Ferrari’s belief in their project is strong. Now, it’s about results. If the pieces start to click, this still has the potential to be one of the great F1 comeback stories.
But time is ticking — and the rest of the grid isn’t standing still.
