Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari in 2025 has not gone as planned, as the seven-time world champion struggles to match his teammate Charles Leclerc’s pace. Despite being outscored by Leclerc and sitting lower in the standings, Hamilton remains determined to challenge the Monegasque driver and improve his performance throughout the season. An experienced former Formula 1 driver believes Hamilton will eventually apply intense pressure on Leclerc, even amid his current difficulties.

Hamilton’s Challenging Start to the 2025 Season at Ferrari

Since joining Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has been unable to consistently deliver strong results, lagging behind Charles Leclerc, who has adapted quickly to the new Italian car. Leclerc currently holds a higher position in the driver standings, with a 42-point lead over Hamilton. The gap between the two teammates has continued to widen as races progress, highlighting Hamilton’s struggles to rediscover his dominant form.

Juan Pablo Montoya, a former Formula 1 driver, shared his observations regarding Hamilton’s mindset and efforts. Montoya pointed out that Hamilton is deeply motivated to outperform Leclerc and is putting maximum effort into doing so. However, the SF-25’s handling characteristics do not suit Hamilton’s driving style, making it harder for him to extract the car’s full potential despite the team’s attempts to understand its complexities.

“What’s really happening is that Lewis is at a point where he wants to beat his teammate. He’s putting in huge effort, working very hard, but the car isn’t to his liking. The engineers are starting to understand, but they still don’t fully grasp how difficult this car is to drive.”
—Juan Pablo Montoya, Former F1 Driver

Adapting to the Ferrari SF-25 Will Be Key for Hamilton

Montoya also noted that Charles Leclerc’s early speed and consistency are largely due to his familiarity with the SF-25’s behavior. Leclerc has managed to exploit the car’s traits, allowing him to stay ahead in the driver championship. However, Montoya suggested that Hamilton’s experience and determination mean it is just a matter of time before he becomes comfortable with the SF-25 and fights back more effectively.

Once Ferrari makes adjustments to better suit Hamilton’s driving style and the British driver fully understands the car’s nuances, Montoya predicts Hamilton will escalate the rivalry within the team and put additional pressure on Leclerc.

“Charles looks very quick because he can handle the car’s behaviour. I think that as Ferrari adjusts the car more to Lewis’s style and he gets comfortable, life will get harder for Charles. So far, it hasn’t been too tough for him, but we’ll see.”
—Juan Pablo Montoya, Former F1 Driver

Hamilton’s Advocacy for Positive Change in Formula 1

Outside the cockpit, Lewis Hamilton continues to push for change in Formula 1, focusing on social and environmental issues. As the sport’s only Black driver and a vocal advocate for diversity, equality, and sustainability, Hamilton has called on Formula 1 to evolve beyond racing and make a meaningful impact globally.

During a recent interview, Hamilton emphasized the need for the sport to avoid leaving detrimental effects in the countries it visits by implementing better recycling and upcycling practices. He drew parallels to past champions like Niki Lauda, who championed safety improvements, and urged for greater accessibility and opportunity within the sport.

“In the past, drivers like Niki Lauda pushed for more safety. Today, we need to create more access and more opportunities. When we go to all these countries, we have to avoid leaving a mess. There should be upcycling and a real recycling system.”
—Lewis Hamilton, Seven-Time F1 World Champion

The Road Ahead for Hamilton and Leclerc at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton’s current performance slump has created an intense atmosphere within Ferrari as the team seeks answers and solutions. Despite the frustrations and the challenges posed by the SF-25, Hamilton’s resilience and relentless work ethic suggest he has not given up on closing the gap with Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver, who has thus far capitalized on his strong start, may soon face increased competition from Hamilton once the latter deciphers the car’s limits.

The rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc could significantly shape Ferrari’s 2025 campaign, with both drivers motivated to prove their worth. How the engineers adapt the car to Hamilton’s style and how quickly he can adjust will be critical factors in determining whether Ferrari can contend for victories and challenge for the championship despite the early setbacks.

As Formula 1 balances intense sporting battles with growing commitments to sustainability and social progress, Lewis Hamilton remains at the forefront of both domains. His quest to rebound in performance alongside his broader advocacy highlights the dual pressures he faces during this pivotal season at Maranello.