Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari was marked as one of the most significant moves in recent Formula 1 history, yet the seven-time world champion now faces an unwelcome milestone. Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton has gone 14 consecutive races without standing on the podium in Ferrari colors, nearing a record for the longest drought held by a Ferrari driver.
This stretch leaves him just five races short of matching Didier Pironi’s undesirable record of 19 races without a Ferrari podium, marking the longest such gap in Hamilton’s illustrious career and contrasting sharply with the high hopes tied to his 2025 switch from Mercedes.
Recent performances and historical comparisons underline the struggle
Hamilton’s last podium and victory came at Silverstone earlier this year in 2024, with a notable sprint race win in Shanghai providing a rare highlight. Despite these flashes of competitiveness, he has largely been unable to deliver consistent top finishes when it mattered most during the season.
The situation draws historical parallels within Ferrari’s history: while Gilles Villeneuve once faced a 14-race wait for a Ferrari podium—now matched by Hamilton—Pironi endured a longer stint of 19 races before achieving his first podium in the early 1980s. Hamilton is closing in on this less flattering milestone, placing his current difficulties in stark perspective.
Growing frustration affects driver and team dynamics
The pressure from the ongoing drought is increasingly visible in Hamilton’s own reflections. Expressing uncharacteristic self-criticism, he called himself “useless” and suggested Ferrari might be better off with a different driver, highlighting the depth of his frustration and the seriousness of Ferrari’s current challenges.
“It’s me every time. I’m useless, absolutely useless,” Hamilton said ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, via The Guardian. “The team have no problem. You’ve seen the car’s on pole. So we probably need to change driver.” —Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
Such remarks underline the personal and professional strain Hamilton is experiencing as expectations remain unmet despite the car’s evident potential.
Leadership role at Ferrari amid performance pressures
Beyond the race results, Hamilton has taken on a significant leadership position within Ferrari. Collaborating closely with team principal Fred Vasseur, he has been active in the car’s development and has worked to foster a renewed culture inside Maranello.
Insiders praise Hamilton’s thorough approach and his commitment to influencing the team’s future trajectory, indicating his contribution extends beyond the track. Nonetheless, Formula 1’s results-driven nature means that podiums and points continue to dominate the narrative, and Ferrari’s inconsistent form has drawn unfavorable comparisons to past eras.
Implications for Hamilton and Ferrari going forward
As the season progresses, the pressure to end this podium drought intensifies. Hamilton’s pursuit of a first Ferrari podium, combined with the team’s need to justify their marquee signing, sets a high-stakes dynamic for the remaining races. Failing to break this streak risks cementing Hamilton’s place in Ferrari’s history for a troubling reason, illustrating that even the sport’s most accomplished champions face harsh realities.
The unfolding situation will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as Ferrari seeks to turn its fortunes around while Hamilton strives to reestablish himself as a consistent frontrunner in the iconic red suit.