David Coulthard has described Lewis Hamilton’s early challenges at Ferrari during the 2025 Formula 1 season as “uncomfortable to watch.” Since joining Ferrari, Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish, falling short compared to his teammate Charles Leclerc, who has stood on the podium four times already this year. The seven-time world champion’s struggles have drawn considerable attention as he adapts to life in a new team.
Signs of Improvement Amid Ongoing Challenges
Despite a tough start, Hamilton has shown recent progress, notably out-qualifying Leclerc in three of the last four races. At the British Grand Prix, Hamilton was consistently faster than his teammate throughout the race weekend and narrowly missed achieving his first podium with Ferrari. This performance suggested potential momentum, even as the season continues to present difficulties.
Upcoming Ferrari Upgrades Could Change Hamilton’s Fortunes
Ferrari is preparing to introduce a major suspension upgrade at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, a development that may improve the SF-25 and assist Hamilton in extracting better performance from the car. This technical enhancement offers hope that Hamilton’s difficulties could ease as the season progresses.
Coulthard Reflects on Hamilton’s Ferrari Journey So Far
Coulthard pointed out that Hamilton’s performances have largely been below expectations, aside from highlights at Silverstone and the China sprint race, which Hamilton won. He commented,
“Silverstone felt more comfortable. Up until Silverstone, and putting China to one side, it’s felt uncomfortable watching Lewis there,”
adding that Hamilton has not matched Leclerc’s pace overall. Coulthard noted the significance of Ferrari’s presence in F1 and remarked,
“But at Silverstone, it looked like he was more on top of things. Was that just because it was Silverstone or not? That remains to be seen.”
Jenson Button Highlights the Adjustment Period with Ferrari
Former teammate Jenson Button acknowledged Hamilton’s frustrations with Ferrari’s SF-25 car and the internal challenges the team faces in becoming a championship contender. Button explained that switching to a new team, especially an Italian one where Hamilton is less culturally embedded, adds complexity to the transition.
“You always expect Lewis to be at the front; you expect him to be on a par with his teammate, if not better, but we’ve not seen that this year,”
Button said.
“So, it’s tricky, but if anyone can be competitive in that car, moving in the way that he has, it’s Lewis. It’s a matter of time, but I’m sure it’s getting a little frustrating in terms of not being able to get the maximum out of the car.”
Outlook for Hamilton and Ferrari in the Remainder of 2025
Hamilton’s Ferrari struggles in 2025 continue to be a source of concern for fans and experts alike, reflecting the challenges of adapting to a new team environment after a long and successful period with Mercedes. With technical upgrades on the horizon and signs of better pace on recent weekends, there is cautious optimism that Hamilton can regain competitiveness. How he capitalizes on these improvements, and whether he can close the gap to Leclerc, will be critical for Ferrari’s season and Hamilton’s legacy at his new team.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton vegan?
A. F1 race car driver Lewis Hamilton openly shares his passion for veganism. Additionally, he invests in businesses that focus on plant-based products.
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton a vegan?
A. Lewis Hamilton believes he showed people who doubted him that he could succeed on a vegan diet. He chose a vegan lifestyle in 2017 despite his doctors’ concerns. Since switching, he has won four championships and claims his energy has increased. Hamilton is one of many professional athletes who are succeeding with a plant-based diet.