At the Spanish Grand Prix held recently at the Circuit de Catalunya, Nico Hulkenberg managed to overtake Lewis Hamilton, highlighting the ongoing difficulties faced by the seven-time world champion since his switch to Ferrari. This development was notable as Hamilton, once dominant at this track, struggled to match the pace of his peers and teammates during the race.

The race weekend saw Hamilton qualify fifth, a respectable position that placed him just ahead of his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. Leclerc had deliberately sacrificed his qualifying performance to secure a better race-day strategy and ultimately achieved a podium finish behind the two McLaren drivers.

Hamilton, however, lacked such strategic advantages early in the race. His pace fell behind Leclerc’s, forcing him to relinquish position to his teammate relatively early, after which Leclerc steadily pulled away toward the front runners. Despite beginning the race with a promising grid slot, Hamilton’s race pace did not meet expectations.

Later in the event, Nico Hulkenberg, driving for Sauber, capitalized on Hamilton’s slower speed and overtook the British driver during the latter stages of the Grand Prix. This move further deepened concerns about Hamilton’s adaptation to the Ferrari SF-25, especially given that Leclerc continued to demonstrate strong performance in the same car.

As fans observed Hamilton’s struggles, social media reactions quickly turned critical. Some expressed disappointment over the driver’s current form and questioned his longevity in the sport. Comments captured the frustration of followers witnessing the stark contrast between Hamilton and his teammates or rivals.

“They signed the wrong old man.”

—Fan

“He’s finished. He has no rhythm anymore. He’s just getting old. Leclerc is still ahead of him and they have the same car. Sad end for a champion,” one fan wrote.

—Fan

“Being passed by a Sauber is crazy business,” another fan wrote.

—Fan

Many voices suggested that Hamilton should consider retiring, voicing their displeasure openly on various platforms.

“They should sack him,” one netizen wrote.

—Netizen

“Please retire, it’s getting more and more embarrassing with each race,” another netizen wrote.

—Netizen

“No body cares! Sorry so finally say it he is washed!” a third fan shared.

—Fan

Hamilton’s transfer from Mercedes, where he spent twelve years and achieved immense success, to Ferrari has proven challenging. The transition requires mastering Ferrari’s different car dynamics and engine behavior, which is still a work in progress for the 40-year-old driver.

Challenges in Adapting to Ferrari’s SF-25 Performance

Transitioning between teams in Formula 1 demands not only technical adaptation but also an understanding of new vehicle frameworks and power unit characteristics. For Hamilton, adjusting to the Ferrari power unit and the specific nuances of the SF-25 remains an ongoing effort requiring significant time and focus.

Comparing Ferrari to Mercedes highlights how distinct the two teams’ approaches are, making the learning curve steep. When questioned about how long it might take for him to fully get accustomed to his new car, Hamilton admitted the uncertainty surrounding the timeline.

“I really don’t know. We’re working as hard as we can to shorten that but it could be longer, who knows… Can’t really explain it too much.”

—Lewis Hamilton

Despite these setbacks, Hamilton was officially classified in sixth place at the Spanish GP after Max Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for a collision with George Russell, slightly improving Hamilton’s final race standing.

What This Means Going Forward for Hamilton and Ferrari

Hamilton’s difficulties at a circuit where he had previously excelled underscore the challenges in his adaptation to Ferrari’s machinery. Meanwhile, Leclerc’s consistent podium finishes reinforce Ferrari’s potential when the car is well-understood and the driver’s confidence is established. Hulkenberg’s successful pass over Hamilton further suggests that the veteran driver’s struggles are tangible and contribute to a shifting competitive landscape at Ferrari.

With the Spanish Grand Prix behind them, attention now turns to how quickly Hamilton can continue to improve within his new environment. His progress will be closely watched throughout the season, as fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the seven-time champion can regain his dominant form or if his transition to Ferrari will remain difficult.